Leinster Rugby boss says squad "Had an amazing welcome at Dundalk"

Leinster Rugby visited Dundalk Rugby Club for an open training session on Tuesday afternoon as they brought their talent to the local community.

Head coach, Leo Cullen, spoke about the importance of connecting with grassroots rugby and the excitement of being in Dundalk. 

He told the Dundalk Democrat: “Dundalk Rugby Club invited us down and we trained in Dundalk IT this morning and used the great gym facilities there. 

“It is great for us to get out and about, we have had an amazing welcome here at Dundalk.” 

READ NEXT: Gallery Leinster Rugby open training session at Dundalk Rugby Club

(Head of athletic performance Charlie Higgins, left, RG Snyman, centre, and John McKee during a Leinster Rugby gym session DKIT Sport. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile)

Cullen spoke of the importance of grassroots rugby and the role clubs like Dundalk play in nurturing young talent. He explained: “The work that goes into the grassroots is huge.

“There are all the different schools and club competitions at the underage level going on at this time of year. It is really nice for us to be able to get out.”

(Scott Penny and Will Connors with members of Dundalk RFC during a Leinster Rugby open training session at Dundalk RFC. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile)

Leinster has made a conscious effort to visit different parts of the province, with Cullen noting previous trips to other areas, including a visit to New Ross, the hometown of Tadhg Furlong.  

Cullen added: “Dundalk is the home of a different Tadhg, Tadhg McElroy. The Kearney brothers, Rob and Dave, grew up, up the road too, so it is really nice for us to be out here today.” 

(7 May 2013; Brothers Dave, left, and Rob Kearney, Leinster, celebrate with the cup. Amlin Challenge Cup Final 2012/13, Leinster v Stade Francais, RDS. Picture by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile)

With a large turnout of young players and supporters, Cullen stressed the importance of inspiring the next generation. The 47-year-old said: “It is huge, you can see the amount of kids here. 

“It is important that we are out and about trying to inspire the next generation. Sometimes they have to truly see it to believe they can go and do it themselves.” 

(Scott Penny during a Leinster Rugby open training session at Dundalk RFC. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile)

The head coach also acknowledged local talent making their way through the ranks, highlighting Louth native, Mahon Ronan, who is with the Irish U20s. 

“Then as I said, Tadhg McElroy before, and the Kearney's are probably the most well-known,” he said. 

“I was here as a player, trained here back in 2013, so it is nice for us to be able to get the connection back again.” 

(Mahon Ronan of Ireland is tackled by Nic Allison of England during the U20 Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and England at Virgin Media Park in Cork. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile)

Cullen offered simple advice to young players in Dundalk hoping to get on Leinster’s radar. “The big thing is for them to go out and enjoy themselves,” he said.

“Leinster, like all sports, relies on the work that goes on at the grassroots. You see all the volunteers and the people here with the high-vis jackets. That is what it is all about – volunteerism.” 

(RG Snyman with Dermot McArdle during a Leinster Rugby open training session at Dundalk RFC. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile)

On the team’s current injury situation and upcoming fixtures, Cullen said things were in good shape. He said: “It’s not too bad. We had a game against Ospreys on Friday and we have no game this week. 

“We have a number of players away with the Irish senior squad and the Irish ‘A’ squad as well. 

“We play against Cardiff in the Aviva next Saturday, and then after that, we have a trip to South Africa at the end of the Six Nations.  

“Then we’re back into Champions Cup action, including a big game against Harlequins in Croke Park.” 

(Jordie Barrett, left, Ruben Moloney, centre, and RG Snyman during a Leinster Rugby open training session at Dundalk RFC. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile)

Managing a squad with players frequently joining Ireland camps is always a challenge, but Cullen embraces it. He said: “It is part of the job, isn’t it? 

“We want all our guys that are Irish-qualified to go on and play for Ireland. You see the kids here, lots of Leinster flags and Leinster hats, but I see Irish jerseys as well. That is what it is about too.” 

Cullen wrapped up by expressing gratitude for the warm reception in Dundalk by saying: “We are delighted to use the facilities here in Dundalk and we are very honoured to have been asked to be here.”