Source link : https://rugby-247.com/2025/02/28/why-ireland-needs-a-munster-resurgence/
Paul O’Connell says Irish rugby needs Munster to bounce back under Clayton McMillan as the province put their faith in the New Zealander restoring them to greatness.
The enormous reliance of the national coaches on Leinster producing highclass players has never been so obvious, and this has happened as Munster have struggled for over a decade to return to the top tier of European rugby.
And O’Connell, a Munster legend, was frank in stating the need for all provinces to contribute to a thriving Test team.
Paul O’Connell says Irish rugby needs Munster to bounce back under Clayton McMillan. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan
‘It’s important for every province to be doing well, to be playing well, to have a strong squad, to be producing players, to be competitive,’ he said.
Munster resurgence
‘It’s a big benefit to us and one of the reasons in the past we started well (in Test windows) which I think is down to great coaching that goes on in the provinces.’
The brief windows that the Irish coaches get to work with their players means they must lean on quality coaching at provincial level.
‘The first time we come together, we have 12 days before the first game, so we’re really relying on what has happened at their provinces before that. It’s really important for us.
‘Hopefully for Munster, it’s a good appointment, it helps them build on the work they’ve already been doing down there in the last few months.’
Clayton McMillan could help lead an Ireland resurgence in the future. Pic: William Booth/Getty Images
O’Connell spoke on the day it was announced that a trio of legendary players will retire from the Test game at the conclusion of the Six Nations. Cian Healy and Peter O’Mahony will quit the game entirely at the end of the season, with Conor Murray moving abroad for a year.
Selection decisions
Ireland’s plans for what looks like a championship decider against France became clearer last night with confirmation Garry Ringrose will be out having been suspended for his red card against Wales.
Ringrose is facing a three-game ban, which he can reduce to two by attending ‘tackle school’.
Ireland players, from right, to left, Peter O’Mahony, Cian Healy and Conor Murray are all retiring. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
That could leave him free to play against Italy in the final round, as he can also count a Leinster URC fixture towards his ban.
It looks doubtful that Tadhg Furlong will return, however, as he struggles with a calf injury, while Caelan Doris was not definitively declared fit.
Elsewhere, Felix Jones has returned to South Africa as an assistant coach to Rassie Erasmus.
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Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2025-02-28 09:10:57
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