Head of rugby operations Ian Costello outlines how the province are developing homegrown players.
THE SOD TURNING takes place at Musgrave Park today as Munster ’s commitment to producing their own top-class players continues with the start of work on a new Cork Centre of Excellence.
As outlined in a fascinating discussion at Thomond Park this week, Munster believe there is much more to come. Ian Costello was the man to deliver the rundown on what they’re doing and what they can still improve. As Costello outlines just how deep Munster’s depth charts for the seasons ahead extend, down to how many games they predict each youngster could play in a few years’ time, it’s clear that the pipeline is a major part of the province’s modus operandi. Every academy player, NTS member, and PTS player is included in the long-term planning.
“That’s a demanding environment , so sometimes we need to pull them out of that environment,” said Costello. “They might work separately for a while. We’re getting really good results out of it but it can’t be a one-size-fits-all approach. They have at least 25 people who can go to matches every weekend to watch players, sending reports from their phones into a centralised system. It’s not perfect, according to Costello, but they feel they’re getting greater breadth in their talent ID now.
Munster have studied how other organisations structure their player development, with their model stemming from conversations with football club Southampton. Costello said no stone is left unturned in being up to speed on the latest research on player development, coaching, and more. “We’re aware of the ever-changing financial model and we want to have the best systems producing the best players so we have the chance to have those homegrown players,” he said.
Those moves were supported by private investment, but Costello admitted signings like that are less likely in the coming years. This summer’s additions of Burns, Thaakir Abrahams, Tom Farrell, and Diarmuid Kilgallen were comparatively low-key. “It’s funny listening to the outside perception of ‘Munster are going to be weaker this year’ but we think we’re in a far better position. We thought everybody was moving upwards, so we’ll have unbelievable competition and we’re really, really happy with the guys we’ve signed.
There are obviously lots of talented young players in Leinster who miss out on the academy there and Munster have also signed a few of those players in the past. Is it something they’d do again given how much is going on within the Munster pathway now? Munster have put lots of time and energy into building stronger relationships with their clubs in the past few seasons, with players being released for more game time in the All-Ireland League than ever. AIL rugby is key to their development.
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