Danny Brosnan
As a big fan of the IRFU using an A team internationally for the benefit of the main squad, it got me thinking.
The New Zealand Maroi are probably one of the leading lights in one respect of a reserve team being a major draw against other tier one A teams and tier two nations.
Could the powers that be at the IRFU be missing an opportunity to do something similar?
The Irish connection.
Let’s face it with the amount of Irish diaspora around the world. Both born here and of Irish parent(s) there’d be a definite drawing ability with the team. Fair enough it mightn’t have the big names like Tadhg Furlong, Peter O’Mahony, Iain Henderson or Mack Hansen. But there would be enough big names to draw a crowd. Players like Jacob Stockdale, Jordan Larmour, Caolán Blade and John Hodnett.
It would also give those supporters a chance to see an Irish team play locally without having to travel internationally to do so.
Main squad benefits.
Let’s face it. The main squad is always going to be looking for depth in certain positions and this is one of the best ways to do it. Few extended squad players being dropped down to be given the opportunity to showcase there skills at an international level will definitely help.
Helping the progress.
Not only will it be seen as a chance to progress the depth charts of the main squad. It’s going to put the IRFU in a good position to be seen to help other nations develop and draw more attention to the game in the country. Places like the USA, Canada wouldn’t say no to an Irish team touring and probably getting in with a chance to get a result of good performance in.
The penny drops, the pound in the pocket.
Marketed right this could see the A team being a cash cow of sorts for the IRFU if promoted properly. We’ve seen A/Wolfhounds squads been sent to the USA and Canada for the Churchill Cup and an Emerging Ireland squad sent to Georgia and South Africa for tour games. Maybe it’s time to send the A team touring to places. If not maybe have them tour Ireland for games at least. After all I’m sure there’ll be countries looking to face them either way.