School’s Rugby, What’s it all about??
Well I must admit after many years my notion of schools rugby being the enemy has changed, Having been to three games so far this year a game in the 1st round, a quarter final and also a replay. I must admit that Schools rugby isn’t all that bad, I would still be a huge critic of the idea of tying over 30 players to commit to a year of training and matches given the fact that between 7 and 10 players may not see game time throughout the season but in turn are not able to turn out for their club at the weekend’s which to my mind will be to the detriment of the clubs in the long term.
Back to the Munster Schools Cup, having seen what the competition means to all the schools involved from players to coaches to the supporters and anyone else connected with each team, it has given me a better idea of how big and prestigious it actually is. The Leinster Schools Cup has long been acknowledged as the king but talk to anyone in Munster and they will tell you how competitive it can get. In Munster all the teams have a real chance of victory unlike Leinster where barring a major surprise one of the established schools will come out on top.
With four limerick schools left in this year’s competition, it will be interesting to see who will come out on top, will it be Castletroy College, St Munchins , Ard Scoil Ris or defending champions Crescent Comprehensive . The Semi finals take place this week with St Munchins vs Ard Scoil Ris on Wednesday and Crescent Comprehensive vs Castletroy College on Friday both take place in Limerick.
So to sum up Schools rugby looks to be in rude health at least in Limerick. Roll on the Semi Finals later this week to see who makes the Cup final on March 17th.
By
Cian Mc Gibney.
