Five Academy Players Promoted to Senior Ranks

Fitzgerald, Scott and Goggin graduate after completing three years of the academy programme while Oliver and Johnston advance after completing two years.

21-year-old fullback/winger Stephen Fitzgerald made his Guinness PRO12 debut in September 2015 scoring a try against Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium.

Centre Dan Goggin’s progression accelerated during his final season of the academy after the 22-year-old made his PRO12 debut starting against Scarlets at the Liberty Stadium last September, then going on to make 14 appearances for the season.

Dan Goggin in action this season

Fellow third year player Brian Scott can play on both sides of the scrum as a tight and loose-head prop.  The 24-year-old made his PRO12 debut against Scarlets in the opening round of the tournament and went on to make his Champions Cup debut against Glasgow in October.

Although his progress has been hampered by a number of injuries 20-year-old Bill Johnston has shown his potential and talent when previously lining out for the Ireland U20s, Munster A and his club side Garryowen FC.

In just his second year with the academy, Conor Oliver stood out as one to watch for the future and was deservedly named the Academy Player of the Year at the start of May.

Conor Oliver has impressed this year

The departing Rory Burke will continue his professional rugby career with Nottingham Rugby, while Shannon’s Greg O’Shea will continue his involvement with the Ireland 7s programme.

The second year trio of Cork Con’s Ned Hodson, Young Munster’s Ben Kilkenny and Garryowen’s Steven McMahon have also completed their time with the programme.  McMahon most recently joined O’Shea when lining out for Ireland 7s at the Amsterdam 7s.

The first year intake will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Munster Rugby Greencore Academy

Year 3: Liam O’Connor (Prop/Cork Con), JP Phelan (Prop/Garryowen).

Year 2: Gavin Coombes (Backrow/Young Munster), Shane Daly (Centre/Cork Con), John Foley (Backrow/Shannon), Calvin Nash (Centre/Wing/Young Munster), Vincent O’Brien (Hooker/Cork Con), Sean O’Connor (Lock/Garryowen), Fineen Wycherley (Lock/Young Munster).

Year 1: TBC