SPEAK TO MEMBERS of Lansdowne FC’s senior set-up and you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’re chatting to professional rugby players.
Gym work, pitch sessions, video analysis, physio, prehab, rehab, disciplined nutrition and a wide-ranging playbook; all of those are traits they share with pro athletes.
Lansdowne captain Ron Boucher [left] with his Clontarf counterpart Sam Cronin ahead of tomorrow’s 1A final at the Aviva Stadium [KO 13.00]. Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO
It’s a similar situation at many other clubs, including tomorrow’s Ulster Bank League Division 1A opponents Clontarf, but Lansdowne’s reputation as being incredibly diligent in their preparation is well-earned.
With six members of the Leinster academy in their ranks in Tom Farrell, Tadgh Beirne, Tom Daly, Ian Fitzpatrick, Cian Kelleher and Peter Dooley, as well as a host of Ireland Club internationals and Munster A and Leinster A-capped players, it’s hardly a surprise.
Craig Ronaldson and Matt Healy have earned pro deals at Connacht in recent years on account of their performances in the AIL with Lansdowne, while the likes of Marty Moore, Jordi Murphy and Jack O’Connell have also passed through the first team.
They face a demanding task against reigning champions Clontarf in tomorrow’s final, but as they look to reclaim the title they won for the first time in 2013, Lansdowne will take mental strength from knowing their preparation all season has been of the highest quality.
Former Grand Slam-winning coach Mike Ruddock has overseen much of the growth in recent seasons, while the likes of Director of Rugby Steve Rooney have also been doing excellent work behind the scenes.
Club captain and number eight Ron Boucher, who will make his 134th Ulster Bank League appearance tomorrow, has been an equally important part as Lansdowne have developed.
Boucher was on hand this week to give insight into Lansdowne’s professional approach.
“It’s been particularly [strong] since Mike’s come in and our strength and conditioning guy, Ciaran Walsh, has come in,” said Boucher. “We’ve a physio there every Tuesday and Thursday and beyond that if we need it.
Boucher has long been a pillar of this Lansdowne team. Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO
“Just the whole attitude as well: we get our gym work done, pitch sessions are all planned in advance. When I started, it would have been two-hour video sessions where you’re watching the whole tape, whereas now it’s cut down to 15 minutes max. of short clips.
“It’s that emphasis on the detail and that’s a selling point for the club when we go out and approach guys coming out of school, that it’s as close to a professional set-up as you can get in the club game.
“We’ve managed to produce guys that have gone on to the professional level over the last few years like Craig and Matt. They’ve gone on to thrive at that level, they’re not just making up the numbers. It’s great to be involved at a level like that and it’s great for the club to be able to show that and keep evolving, keep getting better.”
The effort is twice-fold for men like Boucher, who works as a corporate lawyer with Dublin legal firm Matheson, given that he has to find the balance between rugby and his working and social lives.
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