Duncan Casey: Is a draft the answer to mobilise Irish rugby talent?
When there is a glaring need for hookers in other provinces, is it the best thong for the Irish team if Gus McCarthy remains at Leinster where he is third choice behind two Lions? Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Over a week later, the dust is just about settling on Leinster’s spectacular crash out of the Champions Cup. Analysis has varied widely. We have heard everything from heads needing to roll to it all being down to bad luck. It’s interesting to see the perception online that Irish rugby media are far too soft on Leinster and Leo Cullen, particularly after a week of near-universal criticism of both Leinster and Cullen in print and on various podcasts.
Much of the post-mortem has focused on the problems. Problems with a model that sees one team head and shoulders above the rest. Problems that arise from winning 80% of your games at a canter every year. Problems that a bottleneck of talent in one place creates for the national side and the game at large. There has been limited focus on what steps can be taken to provide a solution. One of the few concrete suggestions has been the creation of a draft system for young players in Ireland.
Unlimited access. Half the price.
