Lots has been said recently about the inherent advantages that Leinster posses, in particular their population and wealth demographics, with head coaches Dan McFarland and Richard Wigglesworth vocal on the subject.
Leo Cullen and Stuart Lancaster have seen it as an attack on the work that their own coaches and 'behind-the-scenes' staff have done, and adamantly pushed the notion that coaching and hard work is the main reason for Leinster's success.
While their deflection is understandable, the sheer numbers of quality professionals that Leinster have within their ranks is certainly not something that relies mainly on dedication and blood, sweat, and tears.
However, this 23 below - made up of players that have come through the Leinster schools system but are not playing for Leinster - not only highlights the sheer amount of talent produced out east, but also the fact that all the provinces are benefitting from these 'inherent advantages'.
Jeremy Loughman (Munster) – Loose Head Prop
From Reno, Nevada, all the way to Munster, via Athy and Blackrock College.
Loughman was a member of the Leinster Academy until making the move to Munster in 2017.
The prop is one of the best examples of the benefits of leaving Leinster, with his move accelerating his rise up the international pecking order, with a trip to the World Cup in his sights.
3 December 2016; Jeremy Loughman of Leinster during the Guinness PRO12 Round 10 match between Leinster and Newport Gwent Dragons at the RDS Arena in Ballsbridge, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Dave Heffernan (Dave Heffernan) – Hooker
Like Loughman, the Ballina native is an alumnus of Blackrock College, and won a schools senior cup alongside his Connacht front-row partner Denis Buckley (Jordi Murphy and Andrew Conway were also part of the team).
Heffernan, a late convert from flanker to hooker, went straight to the Connacht academy from school and has been there since.
Marty Moore (Ulster) – Tight Head Prop
Moore was one of those rare cases in recent in recent years, a player who moved abroad while still part of Ireland’s first choice 23.
His two years at Wasps weren’t particularly memorable, but he has been good asset for Ulster and unlucky not to have been capped again.
Tadhg Beirne (Munster) – Lock
One of two players in this side who would make the current Leinster XV, and one who would make most sides the world.
Injuries and the ruthless environment at Leinster saw him leave for Scarlets. He flourished in Wales and was put on his path to becoming one of the world’s best.
28 August 2015; Tadhg Beirne, Leinster. Pre-Season Friendly, Leinster v Moseley RFC, Donnybrook Stadium, Donnybrook, Dublin. Picture credit: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
Gavin Thornbury (Connacht) – Lock
It was a tight call between Thornbury and Alan O’Connor, but the Connacht lock’s call up to the Ireland A side in November gets him the nod.
Took a roundabout way to the top of the provincial game, after spending time in the lower New Zealand leagues following his departure from Leinster in 2016.
Cian Prendergast (Connacht) – Blindside Flanker
After playing for Newbridge College and Leinster underage sides, Prendergast missed out on a place in the academy.
However, it has worked in his favour with his regular gametime at Connacht leading to attention from Andy Farrell and a first cap against Fiji in November.
15 September 2018; Cian Prendergast of Leinster in action against Stephen Kelly, left, and Conor McMenamin of Ulster during the U19 Interprovincial Championship match between Ulster and Leinster at Newforge Country Club in Belfast. Photo by Oliver McVeigh/Sportsfile
Conor Oliver (Connacht) – Openside Flanker
A product of the Leinster club system with Skerries, before moving to Blackrock College, he is another example of the benefits and impact that ‘outcasts’ from the Leinster can have for the other provinces.
His last couple of seasons for Connacht have been excellent, and he could form a formidable backrow, with Prendergast and Shamus Hurley-Langton, for years to come.
Nick Timoney (Ulster) – Number Eight
The fifth of a staggering 11 former Blackrock College men in this 23, Timoney makes up a backrow of Leinster academy ‘rejects’.
Has worked hard to get into international contention over the last two seasons, with his debut coming against Fiji last November, and will be competing with Prendergast for a place on the plane to the World Cup.
John Cooney (Ulster) – Scrum Half
Alongside Rhys Ruddock as the player who should have won more Ireland caps over the last five years.
Having been a handy back-up at both Leinster and Connacht, he has been an absolute revelation at Ulster, and had a couple of seasons where he was not only one of the best scrumhalves in Europe but one of the best players.
AJ MacGinty (Bristol Bears) – Out Half
MacGinty did attend trials, but never represented Leinster at underage before moving to the USA.
Another product of the Leinster schools system, he played a crucial role in Pat Lam’s league winning Connacht side, having switched allegiances to the USA.
Was forced to leave Ireland due to his NIQ status, but Lam promised he would come get him at some point in the future.
He kept his promise and brought the outhalf to Bristol last year.
10 June 2017; AJ MacGinty of USA during the international match between Ireland and USA at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, USA. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Rory O’Loughlin (Exeter Chiefs) – Left Wing
O’Loughlin has already featured in our One Cap Wonder XV and Best Overseas XV.
The centre/wing has enjoyed a promising first season at Exeter, after a fine career as a crucial utility back in Leinster’s squad.
Tom Daly (Connacht) – Inside Centre
A big man at 6ft 4in and nearly 17 stone, with added guile and a deft pair of hands.
Daly has been excellent since joining Connacht from Leinster in 2018 and is a prime example of the old cliché about needing a ‘change of scenery’.
Unlucky not to have been capped by Ireland.
Tom Farrell (Connacht) – Outside Centre
The fact that he has been able to keep Daly out of Connacht’s starting line-up is a testament to his ability.
Other than the size difference, the paragraph for Daly could be copy and pasted here. The two men are even the same age.
Andrew Conway (Munster) – Right Wing
Along with Beirne, Leinster would dearly wish to still have this man on their books.
Looks like he will be back fit for Andy Farrell’s pre-World Cup training camp after being out for the entire season.
17 May 2013; Leinster's, from left, Isa Nacewa, Andrew Conway and Isaac Boss celebrate with the cup. Amlin Challenge Cup Final 2012/13, Leinster v Stade Francais, RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin. Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
Joey Carbery (Munster) – Fullback
His best performances for Leinster came in the backfield, and it looks like his best option may be to dabble more regularly at 15 given the emergence of Jack Crowley.
Remains one of the most entertaining players on the island on his day.
Replacements:
Denis Buckley, Bryan Byrne, Jack Aungier, Alan O'Connor, Josh Murphy, Paddy Patterson, Ian Madigan, Matt Healy.
SEE ALSO: Ferris Rubbishes Fears Around Frank Murphy's Loyalties Ahead Of Leinster-Munster
