Connacht U17s tested against top South African school

09 October 2017

Connacht U17s tested against top South African school
Connacht Rugby’s U17 squad took on some of the best rugby players from the South African school system when they played against the Blue Crane team in Athlone last Saturday.

The South African touring side drew its players from Paarl Gim, Grey College, Paul Roos Gym, Stellenberg, Oakdale, Menlo Park and Paarl Boys High. Connacht put in a well-rounded performance and their stoic defence held the visitors scoreless whilst their clinical attack resulted in five tries.

Speaking about the match, Head Coach and Elite Player Development Officer, Colm Tucker, said: “Blue Crane provided a very worthwhile and excellent test for the squad.

"The squad are continuing to show huge growth and development since the summer – their attitude and application has been excellent. We will continue to test them under pressure and push them out their comfort zone as much as we can.

"So far they have taken on every challenge in the right manner and Saturday again they showed good cohesiveness, skill level and work rate.  Exposure is the key for the players at this age, with the result being largely immaterial, it was good to see them express themselves by playing positive rugby.”