Sheahan: We must give youth its head

FORMER Munster and Ireland hooker Frankie Sheahan believes there is a culture of picking players on reputation rather than talent amongst the Irish provinces, and has argued that youth must be given its head.

With the arrival of the Italians into the Magners League and a World Cup to take into account in 2011, young Irish players are likely to enjoy significant game time this season but Sheahan believes the process needs speeding up.

“It is a huge chance and the provinces have to start picking these guys as well,” Sheahan said. “A lot of guys have been picked on the basis of previous performances and experience and it is coming to the stage in Irish rugby where, while you have to take all that into consideration, it can’t be the be all and end all.