Students prepare for Dolphin play-off test

Following UCC's success in finishing fourth in the AIB League Division Two the students now take on their Cork neighbours Dolphin in the semi-final stages of the League play-off.

Thu, 01 May, 2003 - 14:02

Following UCC's success in finishing fourth in the AIB League Division Two the students now take on their Cork neighbours Dolphin in the semi-final stages of the League play-off.

Both sides met last December in the league stages at the Mardyke and the Musgrave Park side deservedly won by 18-12.

Of the current UCC Senior squad, all are members of the Rugby Academy in UCC, which is now entering its fourth season.

The UCC Rugby Academy, the first of its type in the province, was developed as a programme to nurture and develop young promising rugby players, both from a sporting and academic perspective.

In the Academy's first season the UCC U-20 XV reached their All-Ireland League Final.

Last season the club again progressed to win the U-20 League Championship with victory over Bruff in the final.

The nucleus of these successful underage sides are now taking the field for the club's Senior XV.

Members of the Academy include, team captain Conrad O'Sullivan and one of Munster's great young talents Denis Leamy who are both contracted to the Munster squad, along with scrum half Frank Murphy.

Additionally the academy includes captain of this year's Irish U-21 Irish team Steve Keogh along with his international team-mates Peter O'Brien, Barry Keeshan and Munster Heineken Cup squad member Richard Lane.

Two members of the Irish U-19 team who have recently returned from the World Cup, where Ireland finished 5th, Barry Keeshan and Robert Quinn are also on the Academy program and return to the UCC squad for this semi-final.

To ensure on-field success, the Academy is supplemented with a number of the Munster's more promising coaches, including Pat Murray, the Irish under 19 coach, Bryan Hyland, the Munster under 21 coach and Ian Sherwin, who is a development officer with the IRFU.

"A top four finish was this years target and we're delighted to have achieved same, if we can now go on a win the competition it would be a great return for all the effort the players have put into this season," said Bryan Hyland.

"A major reason for this success has been the development of the UCC Rugby Academy, which is beginning to reap the rewards we had hoped for.

"The lifespan of the college player is quite short as players compete their academic commitments, so it is very important that the club gets the players to develop quickly in a controlled environment, while ensuring the player themselves achieve their true potential."

In total 15 of the UCC squad have gained international honours

UCC team to play Dolphin:

15 Peter O'Brien

14 Richard lane

13 Peter Morehan

12 ConradO'Sullivan (Captain)

11 Paul Hurley

10 Connor Quaid / Barry Keeshan

9 Frank Murphy

1 Fergus Gately

2Johnathan Rothwell

3 Mike Barrett