There’s no substitute for playing, says academy starlet Kilcoyne

To those who argue that game time is the primary requirement for the country’s up-and-coming props, meet your poster boy.

Dave Kilcoyne will make the step up to the Munster senior squad next year, having served a tough apprenticeship. Two years in sub-academy proving he was worth a punt at all, another two years in the academy proper proving he was worth a full-time contract.

The Limerick-born loose-head has had a fine season, capped with a British and Irish Cup medal, and he puts much of it down to having the freedom to play for both Munster A and in the Ulster Bank League with UL Bohemians.