“We See The Talent Coming Through” – Johne Murphy On Club International Squad
Ireland's Club International squad are continuing their preparations for the upcoming Dalriada Cup series in Edinburgh and Dublin. The squad held their second of four camps at Ashbourne RFC, Co. Meath on Sunday.
Ireland’s Club International squad are continuing their preparations for the upcoming Dalriada Cup series in Edinburgh and Dublin. The squad held their second of four camps at Ashbourne RFC, Co. Meath on Sunday.
Assistant Coach Johne Murphy tells Irish Rugby TV how the squad are building towards a trip to Edinburgh to play Scottish Clubs on Friday February 2nd.
“We see new players, we see how good they are and we see the talent coming through,” said Murphy. “You see the quality that’s there and how enjoyable it is for the lads. They seem to be playing with a smile on their face. The opportunity to put on an Irish jersey and be with a squad – that’s where the real enjoyment factor comes from.”
The series concludes with the return leg in Energy Park on Friday February 8th. Tickets for that game are now on sale at ticketmaster.ie
All four Irish provinces won in European competition last weekend featuring players like Matt Healy (Connacht), John Ryan (Munster) and Eric O’Sullivan (Ulster) who were previously capped at Club International level.
Since the programme started in 2006, 43 players selected for Club International squads have played professionally for provinces at Guinness Pro 14 level or higher. Several more have played overseas.
“There are plenty of examples of where guys have moved on to bigger and better things. The players know there’s an opportunity there to put themselves in the shop window at a higher level, not just in the four provinces but anywhere else that looks at these games.”