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Smattering of Ulstermen make Ireland’s first RWC Squad.

by

John McMurtry

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You can probably guess the Ulster players names  names without reading this, no real surprises.

There are four uncapped players – Felix Jones, Mike McCarthy, Conor Murray and Brett Wilkinson.

The only players unavailable for selection are Shane Horgan, Ian Humphreys and Nevin Spence who all had to undergo surgery on long standing injuries. The rehabilitation period is such that all three players will not be able to take part in the world cup conditioning schedule to enable them to build up the required fitness levels, and so none of these three players will be available for the games during the Guinness Summer Series in August.

Following the completion of each camp, players will return to their provincial centres to continue their strength and conditioning work. The Ireland coaching staff will work closely with the squad during each of the camps and also with the players when they are back with their provincial teams.

Ireland Coach Declan Kidney said,

This is the first step in preparation for the Rugby World Cup and the group called into our first camp shows that there is competition for places right across the board.

There are players who we have identified as part of the . . .

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4 responses to “Smattering of Ulstermen make Ireland’s first RWC Squad.”

  1. rekinek

    I counted 5 ulstermen in the preliminary squad (unless my eyes playing tricks on me ..) – not bad.
    Plus 3 in RSA preliminary squad 🙂 (though I think only Ruan has good chance of making the final squad).

    Reply
    1. John

      Less than one eighth of the Ireland squad is not good for a Province who’s main aim is to develop players for Ireland. Ulster should be targeting a minimum representation of one quarter and actually aiming for one third. while it has been a successful season on many fronts it must be remembered that it has been pretty unsuccessful in it’s primary benchmark!

      Reply
  2. the mote

    nothing to surprising in the squad but a few names should have in my view been included and few excluded

    the omissions being Cave and Touhy

    My surprise inclusions are Hayes and o Driscoll (M) similiarly anyone who reads this will already know my opinion of Cullen who I consider a one trick pony ( line out fantastic ) everything else leaves alot to desired the fact he is leinster’s captain I believe stops many referees for pinging him in the ruck his style owes much to McCaw (in from the side and over)

    Reply
    1. John

      Your on your own with this on mote, I’m finding it harder and harder to whip up any enthusiasm for Ireland’s World Cup campaign just yet and with this selection I can’t see much changing.

      Reply

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