McGahan: New rules hindering Ireland

Munster boss Tony McGahan believes the arduous process of developing Test-standard props for Ireland is being hampered by restrictions limiting contracted players’ involvement for their Ulster Bank League clubs.

All-Ireland League (AIL) rules introduced at the start of the 2011-12 season dictate fully contracted players can only play in Division 1 with only two players per squad permitted to play.

The recent exposure of Irish shortcomings at tighthead during the Six Nations focused minds on the development of young players. Munster coach McGahan publicly joined the critics who believe current AIL restrictions are detrimental to the development of future Test front rows.