Ireland 2017-18

[blockhead]

Connacht's Bundee Aki and Munster's Tyler Bleyendaal were amongst the new faces involved in Ireland's mini training camp at Carton House in recent days.
Aki has yet to publicly declare for Ireland but he now looks set to be involved in the November internationals.
Bleyendaal, another Kiwi, will become Irish qualified in January, based on the three-year residency rule.

Aki is a probable starter when all are fit, Tyler not so sure.

[LeRouxIsPHat]

Tyler could become important depending on Jackson's availability though.

[jimbobjoe]

Has there been an issued list of players in the training camp? Can't see anything on the IRFU website

[blockhead]

Chris Farrell is there too, apparently.

[paddyor]

Do we really need an Ireland training camp now?

[mildlyinterested]

Do we really need an Ireland training camp now?

happens every year.

[LeRouxIsPHat]

Do we really need an Ireland training camp now?

Yeah I'd say it makes sense. I'm sure the coaches had a review at the end of the season and then just want a quick get together to outline some ideas they want to implement for the coming season, get people like Aki and Tyler B up to speed with the tactics and rest of the squad etc.

[Dave Cahill]

Do we really need an Ireland training camp now?

No. Just another shibboleth of Irish rugby that needs to be consigned to the dustbin of b*%&!x like Spala, player management and Sevens

[Ruckedtobits]

Do we really need an Ireland training camp now?

Absolutely. Players in attendance fall into various categories, viz:

First-time Camper but played Irish 20's
Just qualified on Residency
Provincial uncapped
Irish capped returning from injury
Irish capped but out of country (possibly)
Irish capped not selected for Summer Tour
Irish Tourist to US &Japan
Lions Tourist to NZ

All these various backgrounds, with their various pre-season and post-injury training schedules have to be brought to the same page in Joe's, meticulously planned, Season Programme.

The Group as a whole will be given the post 6N analysis and the Japan / US Tour Report,including cultural and travelling learnings, with a download of clips, as a SWAT analysis.

Each will get, or have already received, their skill and physique work-ons between now and end October. The group will be given the plan for all three Autumn Internationals, including some initial analysis of opponents. The different Team Units will be given a profile of improvements wanted, the alterations that the Coaches want to bring about and skill refinements required over next 9 weeks.

All of this will involve all Coaches and players and the planning to ensure it is a bonding, not a bitching, session will have been very detailed.

Timing and prep-wise, this is an essential component of the Season plan and perhaps even the start of RWC 2019 preparation, as rankings no longer matter. Bringing in new faces and re-introducing injuried returnees is a vital component of ensuring Squad togetherness. Never under-estimate the importance of these Camps

[Dave Cahill]

yeah, imagine we didn't have these. We might end up having a cr@p World Cup and losing to the likes of Scotland and Wales in the 6 Nati...

Oh.

[paddyor]

Yeah can't help but feel the players would be better served continuing their pre-season with they're respective provinces. How much of what's done in camp will really carry forward to 2 months later?

[BlueBlue]

Its all about getting Bundee into green gear.

[simonokeeffe]

Probably safe to say Jackson is out of AIs

Aki staying fit steals a massive march for him for starting, he has almost 2 months to impress before others are back. Plus we have to tie him in November

[paddyor]

Probably safe to say Jackson is out of AIs

Aki staying fit steals a massive march for him for starting, he has almost 2 months to impress before others are back. Plus we have to tie him in November

Trial started this week so would tend to agree. Are they training with Ulster?

[Cathalsmart]

Probably safe to say Jackson is out of AIs

Aki staying fit steals a massive march for him for starting, he has almost 2 months to impress before others are back. Plus we have to tie him in November

Trial started this week so would tend to agree. Are they training with Ulster?

Would love to see 12 Aki 13 Henshaw, Henshaw looks like he may be back.

[LeRouxIsPHat]

Yeah can't help but feel the players would be better served continuing their pre-season with they're respective provinces. How much of what's done in camp will really carry forward to 2 months later?

It's a very short get together, sign posted way in advance, and we have no idea what goes on at it. I can't imagine Joe would have it if he didn't have something he wanted to get out of it.

We had the same thing 12 months ago...and then beat New Zealand first up in November. Don't remember many complaints then and don't get the fuss now.

[Cathalsmart]

Yeah can't help but feel the players would be better served continuing their pre-season with they're respective provinces. How much of what's done in camp will really carry forward to 2 months later?

England do the same thing (They just make their announcement more blatant), seems to have worked some way.

[simonokeeffe]

@Paddy thought that was just a hearing but think exact words were stood down from all rugby related activities (for the season?)

@Cathal Aki at 12 would create the best combos, and really frees Payne to play 15. Henshaws best position is 13 but he was needed at 12 for Ireland. Then weve a chicken and egg thing with his Ringrose partnership.

Problem is Leinster need Henshaw at 12 BIGTIME so would be much arguing were we asked to play him there. Ringrose would still be a good no23 for Ireland

[Cathalsmart]

Ringrose is out most likely so its the perfect chance to try the 12 Aki 13 Henshaw partnership, this is the partnership that could really get our backline moving.

[simonokeeffe]

Ringrose is out most likely so its the perfect chance to try the 12 Aki 13 Henshaw partnership, this is the partnership that could really get our backline moving.

Last update said Ringrose expected back in October so he has every chance