Connacht clinch Interpro title after memorable 10-day camp
FOR the first time in 10 years the Connacht U-18s are Interprovincial champions. They sealed the trophy on Sunday after a comprehensive 41-15 win over Ulster in UL on the final day of a 10-day camp at the university. Earlier in the week they beat Munster 47-17, and began their winning ways with a last-gasp 33-29 victory over Leinster. Team manager Richard Doyle has been looking back on a memorable week for the squad. He said: “The concept of the tournament structure was to replicate an U-18, U-19 or U-20 World Cup environment. Players were housed in sixbed apartments with each player having their own en-suite double bedroom, and players had around-theclock support from coaches, physios and S&C personnel. “All squads also had access to state-of-the-art gyms and pool facilities. The IRFU and UL provided all the meals, with players having breakfast, lunch and dinner in the UL pavilion each day. “They also had fantastic support from the IRFU, who arranged two workshops with Munster’s Ultan O’Callaghan which focused on developing their mental skills to help them prepare for matches. “Also organised by the IRFU were Q&A workshops with current pros Fineen Wycherley, Conor Murray and CJ Stander. This focused on helping the players to manage themselves off the pitch in terms of recovery, nutrition and sleep. “Aside from training and matches there was also a big focus on bringing the players together as a group socially. “In total we used 27 players from 13 different clubs across all five counties. All players were guaranteed to start at least one game each irrelevant of how results went, which showed our commitment to the overall goal of player development. “All in all we’re delighted with how the week went and it was great to see the players get the results they deserved. A massive thanks to the players who represented Connacht with distinction on and off the field throughout the entire summer.”