Leinster Rugby | Leinster Rugby Academy confirmed for 2021/22

Leinster Rugby have confirmed their provincial Academy team for the upcoming 2021/22 season.

Lee Barron (DUFC), Jack Boyle (UCD RFC), Chris Cosgrave (UCD RFC), Mark Hernan (Lansdowne FC), Temi Lasisi (Lansdowne FC), Ben Murphy (Old Wesley RFC) and Rob Russell (DUFC) have joined as players of the year one.

Russell was a Grand Slam winner with Ireland U-20 in 2019, while all six other new additions have shown up for Ireland at the same level over the past two seasons.

Speaking on the announcement of the Academy 2021/22 team, Guy Easterby, Head of Rugby Operations at Leinster Rugby, said: “We are delighted as a club to announce our recruitment to the Academy for next season.

“The seven new additions will add considerably to the pool that we already have within our Academy system and should all take inspiration from the 15 Academy, course and age players who represented our senior team in PRO14 last season.

It is also important, at this point, to congratulate the players who have been promoted by our Academy for joining our Senior squad for next season and wish them luck as they continue their careers with us.

“For our new entry into the Academy, this announcement is an extremely special moment and a significant step in their rugby journeys. We must not underestimate the commitment they have made as individuals to get to this point, it is the culmination of an enormous amount of hard work and dedication. The reality however is that their next challenge starts now and we can’t wait to do everything we can to help these youngsters realize their ambitions on the pitch and continue to grow as people off the pitch.

“We cannot let it pass today without also acknowledging the significant roles their families, clubs and schools have played in their travels thus far. They should all be very proud of the role they have played in supporting them and we, as a club, understand the importance of this ongoing connection as players progress in their development within the Leinster system.

“Finally, it is also important to recognize the work being done on the field across the province by our home rugby staff and all of our staff in the Ken Wall Center Of Excellence in Energia Park. Without the support of all these stakeholders, none of these actors would be where they are today.

“Everyone at Leinster Rugby wishes Jack, Lee, Chris, Mark, Temi, Ben and Rob every success.”

Leinster Rugby – Senior Contracts 2021/22:

• Thomas Clarkson (10 caps)
• David Hawkshaw (8 caps)
• Michael Milne (16 caps)

Leinster Rugby Academy – Third year 2021/22:

• Brian Deeny
• Cormac Foley (1 cap)
• Martin Moloney (1 hat)
• Charlie Ryan
• Liam Turner (6 caps)

Leinster Rugby Academy – Second year 2021/22:

• Niall Comerford
• Marcus Hanan (2 caps)
• Joe McCarthy
• John McKee
• Jamie Osborne (6 caps)
• Seán O’Brien (2 appearances)
• Max O’Reilly (7 caps)
• Andrew Smith (2 caps)
• Alex Soroka (2 appearances)

Leinster Rugby Academy – Year 1 2021/22:

• Jack Boyle
• Lee Barron
• Chris Cosgrave
• Mark Hernan
• Lasisi themes
• Ben Murphy
• Rob Russell