Academy Squad Confirmed.

by

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Patrick Jackson, Ulster Rugby

Ulster Rugby have announced the Academy players for 2010-11.

Following the conclusion of the Ulster U20 Interprovincial Series, the Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy squad for the 2010-11 season has been finalised.

Based at the Newforge Training Ground along with the Senior Ulster Squad, the aim of the Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy, which is managed by former Ulster and Ireland lock Gary Longwell, is to provide a continuous flow of indigenous rugby talent to perform to Interprovincial, European and International standards.

All Academy players must have the ability to play rugby for Ireland and player potential for a place in the programme is assessed under the following areas; skills and positional competence, fitness, tactical and game awareness, and personal attitude.

Phoenix Ulster Academy Players are aged between 18 and 22 years old; however, the identification process of this young talent begins as early as U16/Medallion level through both the Youth and the School systems.

Phoenix Ulster Academy Squad 2010-11

Patrick Jackson (Dungannon)
Conor Carey (Ballymena)
Blane McIlroy (Ballymena)
David McGuigan (QUB)
Iain Henderson (QUB)
Kyle McCall (Ballynahinch)
Chris Cochrane (Dungannon)
Luke Marshall (Ballymena)
Ali Birch (Dungannon)
David McIlwaine (QUB)
Craig Gilroy (Dungannon)
Niall Annett (Belfast Harlequins)
Michael Allen (Belfast Harlequins)
Michael Heaney (Belfast Harlequins)
James McKinney (QUB)
Conor Gaston (Dungannon)
John Burns (Ballymena)

There are also three players, studying and playing rugby outside Northern Ireland who are included as part of the Academy Squad:
Ricky Andrew (Castres)
Dominic Gallagher (Trinity)
Stephen Lecky (Glasgow Hawks)

Commenting on their continued sponsorship of the Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy, Simon Little, Phoenix Natural Gas Communications Manager said:

“Phoenix are delighted to be involved with both the today and the tomorrow of Ulster Rugby, in terms of supporting future talent through the Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy. Given the overall pedigree of the players currently involved in the Academy we have great faith that many of them will develop into first team regulars and indeed also become stars on the international stage”.

Good to see that our “Four to Follow”, Craig Gilroy, Iain Henderson, Patrick Jackson and David McGuigan have all made it through the selection process.


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