New lessons reaping rewards for savvy Brian Walsh and UCC 

Walsh led UCC to Division 1A of the AIL for the first time and then achieved perhaps the even greater feat of keeping them there

UCC head coach Brian Walsh (right) with Dr Larrie Martin. Pictures: Jim Coughlan

There were times not so long ago when the idea of UCC playing in the top-flight of the All-Ireland League really would have meant the daunting prospect of boys against men.

Yet the evolving nature of rugby and a head coach savvy enough to see the way the game is changing means College are developing into a side capable of competing with the big guns of Energia AIL 1A, despite the inherent disadvantages of being a student outfit.