The Case for Connacht A
By Rob Murphy @ Knockon.ie
March 26 2010
After the stunning reverse served up by Connacht A to Ulster's Ravens last week, Rob Murphy looks at the case for more regular outings for our second string/development side an argument that many supporters have felt very strongly about for a long time.
There must be an extra pep in the step of all Connacht squad members this week after a fine home win over the Dragons on St Patrick's Day and perhaps more surprisingly the Connacht A side's well deserved victory over Ulster A side last Thursday in Kildare.
The Ulster Ravens (as they are known) play in the British and Irish Cup along with Munster, Leinster, teams from the English second tier and reserve sides from the other Celtic Nations.
They have reached the semi finals and are a serious force. For various reasons, Connacht were unable to take part in that competition this year and such a restraint appears to be holding back the rapid development being made out west.
There can be no greater case for the development potential of rugby in the west of Ireland than the fact that all eight of the Connacht pack that beat Ulster 19-18 on Thursday were born in the province and have come through the thriving development system based here in the west.
Too often the equality of resources argument focuses on the senior Connacht side and the funds for player contracts, when it is just as important to highlight the need for providing academy graduates with a stepping stone to top level professional rugby. A fully funded Connacht A side in the British and Irish Cup would play a huge role in helping our young talented players develop.
Connacht A team manager Bernard Finneran explains. "This is the first year we have played all three provinces in the season, we will play four games in total this year but Munster and Ulster could play as many as twelve. The A games have a dual benefit, fringe players get valuable game time and our younger players get a chance to prove themselves in a game where players can have a go and league points aren't all that matter."
The All Ireland league still has a vital role to play and can't be shoved aside by such games. In fact the scheduling of Thursday's game within 24 hours of the Glynn Cup raises some worrying issues that must be addressed. More respect and consideration is needed in such circumstances.
If that hurdle can be cleared, than there is no reason why A rugby can't be a crucial piece in the Eric Elwood jigsaw for next season.
Elwood, Dan McFarland and Michael Bradley were all in Barnhall on Thursday to watch 20 year old, former Colaiste Iognaid out-half, Conor Murphy kick the winning penalty from the touchline under intense pressure.
The team was coached on the day by Eamonn Molloy and Antoine Mobian and after the victory the Connacht management team addressed the squad in the dressing rooms.
"There is a feeling in Connacht at times that we can't hope to compete with the other provinces on a consistent basis but in recent years at youths and under 20s we are proving people wrong in that regard. It was said in the dressing room after the game that we are not second class citizens and we don't need to feel like that." adds Finneran.
The pack on Thursday included two budding young prospects in the back row, Shane Conneely and Eoin McKeon while the front row allowed Conor Higgins, James Robinson and Denis Buckley (who scored the second half try) get some much needed exposure.
In the backline Finn Gormley, Colin Conroy and Mark Butler all excelled while Adam Kennedy's efforts from the bench saw him called into the Irish squad the following evening as cover.
Then there was more game time for the likes of Ronan Loughney who badly needs more time on the pitch along with two players returning from long term injuries, Andrew Browne and David Nolan.
Then there is Joe Merrigan who is performing well after Coventry's fincanical woes meant he had to head home. With Dermot Murphy injured, Connacht have no third choice hooker and Merrigan could well be the answer.
"Those players really can benefit from games like last Thursday" Adds Finneran "The A structure can really support the senior team and add to the support structures overall helping develop both players and coaches. In turn the players go back to their clubs with better skills and more confidence.
"The Connacht branch have put in a lot of work at Academy level, but those players need a chance to play at a higher level. We work hard to prepare a team for the September under 20 inter-pros but after that, those players don't have an outlet outside of the AIL while the other provincial academy players have that chance."
Connacht performed superbly well in the under 20 inter pros back in September, beating Munster and losing in Ulster by one score despite notching four tries. Their representation on the International squad could well have been better had those players got the kind of game time that their colleagues in the other province were afforded.
Funding is scarce but investing in this area at the expense of maybe one professional contract might yield a better long term gain to trump the short term solution we are normally forced to accept.
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A way has to be found to facilitate more games to ensure that we bring these guys through and sustain them at a level close to ML standard, even if that means that supporters come together to help raise the necessary funds. I feel it would probably require the re-instatement of a formal supporters club to create a critical mass and to provide a clear structure for supporters roll in behind. I personally would support that, but it would need to be driven primarily at a local level.
I see the future, and it's Green again...
The senior squad has too many passengers at the minute. If we let go of a few squad players from the senior squad who are on decent money and replace them by giving improved contracts to the likes of O'Halloran, Griffin,Higgins, Buckley etc. we could probably raise the money needed to field an A squad. We can't keep looking to the IRFU to provide us with the finance to compete in competitions like the B&I Cup. I think judging by his comments last summer Gerry Kelly isn't convinced A games are worth the investment and that maybe the major stumbling block to more of these games. Hopefully Eric will prioritise this when he takes charge at the end of the season.
There are five Connacht players on the Youths side playing in Italy next week but only one Munster player and three Ulster players going.