RUGBY: JOHN O'SULLIVANon a taxing fixture list which is going to test the resources of Irish rugby

THE SENIOR Ireland squad players are likely to participate in an average of about 26 matches, injury permitting, that for some will include up to 13 international Tests between now and the start of the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. This tally will include commitments to their respective provinces and, in the case of English and Welsh-based individuals, clubs.

The national team management in conjunction with the provinces will look to regulate the number of matches that front-line players are asked to play to ensure they remain as fresh and as injury-free as is feasible.

It’s not only the international squad though that are facing into a long season but the respective Academy and A players in the provinces. In that category those not involved in the Under-20 World Cup in Argentina during the summer reported back for pre-season training on about July 1st, having for the most part being given a four-week complete break from the end of last season: although some players might have sneaked in a little longer hiatus depending on player commitments at the end of last season.

In ideal circumstances pre-season lasts eight weeks of training in total, uninterrupted by games, but because of injury and the non-availability of senior provincial players that might be cut short to fulfil friendly obligations like those undertaken by the four provinces over the past couple of weekends.

Players work Monday to Friday focusing on weights, skills, speed drills and general conditioning and on finishing pre-season are introduced to a broader curriculum that will include the mental and practical lifestyle sides of being a professional rugby player. Players are usually in early in the morning so that they can finish just after lunch-time, this facilitates the recovery process for the next day.

During that eight-week cycle, players might enjoy a four- or five-day break after about three and a half weeks before returning for the second pre-season module.

Those who were involved in the Under-20 World Cup would still have a couple of weeks of pre-season remaining, a scenario that also pertains to the Irish squad that toured New Zealand and Australia during the summer.

For the Academy and non-frontline senior squad players, they can look forward to playing rugby. Collie McEntee, Director of Leinster’s Rugby Academy, explained: “We want them playing rugby on a regular basis, whether that’s at under-20, A and senior provincial level as well as All-Ireland League in some cases.

“There is no conflict between the A and All-Ireland League (AIL) calendar so we would want the Academy players to play and make a positive impression at AIL level. There is an onus on us to make sure we give some value back to the clubs in terms of the players who are under our direction.

“In broad terms some players might play in or around 30 games this season, split between AIL, Leinster A and/or the under-20 grade at either provincial or national level.”

As highlighted by the gargantuan fixture list, most players, injury notwithstanding, should not lack for opportunity over the coming season.