Ireland Under-20 Quintet Promoted To Leinster Academy

The list of Year One players includes Dublin University prop Thomas Clarkson, UCD lock Charlie Ryan, versatile Clontarf forward Brian Deeny, flanker Martin Moloney from Old Belvedere, and Dublin University centre Liam Turner.

Four of the five were named in the extended Ireland Under-20 squad for last summer’s World Rugby Championship in Argentina, with Moloney missing the tournament due to injury. Ryan was named captain of the squad having lifted the U-20 Six Nations trophy in the spring in the absence of the injured David Hawkshaw.

Noel McNamara, the recently-appointed Leinster Rugby Academy Manager, said:

This is a significant announcement for these young men that have all impressed over the last few years and we are delighted to be able to reward them with Academy contracts.

“However, they would be the first to recognise that the real hard work starts now, but they will look at the progress of the likes of Scott Penny and Hugh O’Sullivan and will know what can be achieved even in your first year.

“We wish them the very best of luck in the Academy system and look forward to supporting them throughout that journey.”

Leinster have already confirmed that seven players have been promoted from the Leinster Academy system and will start the 2019/20 season as part of Leo Cullen’s senior squad. They are Ciaran Frawley (14 caps), Hugo Keenan (5), Ronan Kelleher (2), Conor O’Brien (17), Jimmy O’Brien (7), and the aforementioned O’Sullivan (14) and Penny (6).

LEINSTER RUGBY ACADEMY SQUAD – 2019/20 SEASON:

Year Three –

Jack Aungier
Oisín Dowling (4 caps)
Gavin Mullin (2)
Tommy O’Brien

Year Two –

Ryan Baird (1)
Harry Byrne
Jack Dunne (5)
David Hawkshaw
Michael Milne
Aaron O’Sullivan
Patrick Patterson (3)
Dan Sheehan
Michael Silvester

Year One –

Thomas Clarkson
Brian Deeny
Martin Moloney
Charlie Ryan
Liam Turner