Rugby

St Munchins prides itself on the strength of its Rugby heritage, and as such the college is an important ‘nursery’ for the nurturing of talent that may go on to represent the school, Munster, Ireland & Lions.
Within all sports, all boys that commence school in 1st year are encouraged to ‘have a go’, no more so than within the rugby system, where the fundamental skills of passing, evasion and tackling are taught by specialist rugby coaches, who instil a common passion for game, whilst teaching the virtues of fair-play, and playing for your team. We run four 1st year teams, all the players train together; equal encouragement, guidance and training is given to the ‘old pros’ and ‘newbies’.
Training for 1st years takes place every Monday and Wednesday after school.

The 1st years play close to 20 fixtures over the course of the school year with matches against all Munster A schools as well as a number of Leinster schools; Newbridge College, Kilkenny College, Cistercian College Roscrea, Belvedere College, Terenure College, St Gerard’s Bray, St Michaels College. We also play top of international touring teams.

1st year is headed up for the 2022/23 season by former Senior and Junior Cup coach Jason O’Brien.

The end of 1st year marks the move to U15, this is a step up of the training and dedication required. The school runs three McCarthy Cup teams of varying standard. All three squads train together.
Pitch training days are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Weights room S&C commences in January once the McCarthy Cup has completed, this involves the introduction of the various lifts and exercises with a focus on technique and lifting their own body weight. Training focuses on skills, passing with a particular emphasis on ‘heads up rugby’.
Post McCarthy Cup sees the promotion of the top U15s to the Junior Cup panel, the remaining players then play a number of friendly fixtures against half a dozen or so Leinster Schools. Head Coach for 2022/23 is Ben Hynes
The start of Junior Cup brings on another leap on dedication and performance, training goes to 4 days a week, S & C becomes integral and fully integrated into the season plan. The season commences post Easter with a focus on the first few months on skills, tackle technique and improving fitness. The players attend S&C during the months of June and August, pitch training recommences when school returns.
Pitch Training days are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday with morning S&C Tuesdays and Thursdays
The Limerick City Cup is played in September with the group stages of the cup starting in October, the groups game finish at the end of November, your final position in the group determines when you enter the cup and if you’ve a 2nd chance or not.
December and January see the squad play a number of Leinster Schools in friendlies with the Cup starting at the end of January.
Head Coach for 2022/23 is Davy Quinlan
Bowen Development Squad – This is a squad for U17s and U18s where the primary focus is on skill development and playing matches, this team will play a series of 6 friendlies from September to December.
Pitch Training days are Tuesdays and Thursday with morning S&C Wednesdays.
Marty McMahon will coach this squad for the 2022/23 season.

 

Bowen Shield – is the predominant competition for the U18’s, it is the main fixture base for the Senior B players. They will play in a league from Sept to December with friendly fixtures later in the year.
All Bowen Shield training under the umbrella of the senior schools coaching set up, this allows the senior coach to spot up and coming talent and move players between teams based on needs and player development. Eoin O’Brien is leading the Bowen Shield for the 2022/23 year.
Senior Cup is the premier school’s rugby competition, preparation begins after Easter with a focus on S&C and skills until later August.
The Limerick City Cup is played in September with the group stages of the Cup starting in October, the groups game finish at the end of November, your final position in the group determines when you enter the cup and if you’ve a 2nd chance or not.
December and January see the squad play several Leinster Schools in friendlies with the Cup starting at the end of January.
Head Coach is Ger Slattery.