Jack McGrath Interview

[christy]

This was posted by St Marys RFC on facebook.


In Ireland, props strangely seemed to be considered an extinct breed. Having been so lucky for so long with “Ginger” Mc Loughlin, Popplewell, Clohessy, Wallace and many others there was suddenly a sense of panic in the dearth of available Irish props.

Marcus Horan and John Hayes were for so long incumbents in the Ireland jerseys that it seemed that there was no one ready to fill their shoes. John Hayes, legend and Irish centurion has retired and Marcus Horan thankfully has come back and will add much needed experience to Munster, yet there has been a slow emergence of a new generation of Irish prop. Cian Healy, of course is the name on everybody’s lip, a ball wrecking tyro, adept in the tight or loose, a shoe in for the Lions jersey. Yet there is another soft spoken Dubliner coming close behind.

Ever since his school days Jack McGrath has been marked out. A finalist with St Mary’s in the 2008 SCT in which they narrowly lost to Healy’s old outfit Belvedere, the big St Mary’s man has all the attributes to be a top class prop.

St Mary’s, always associated with great back play and quick hands, has of course produced many a good prop, for anyone who has cared to notice. From Sean Lynch to the modern day Robert Sweeney, Mary’s has always been capable of having a solid front rower to lock down their scrum. Jack McGrath is no exception, as Cork Con will surely testify from the recent Ulster Bank League match between the two sides in which the Mary’s scrum dominated.

His sixty minutes against Connacht in the Rabo Pro 12 was his first start for Leinster. On top of that he has 11 appearances off the bench in what is fast becoming a meteoric rise, culminating recently in a call up to the Irish training camp for the six nations. He is replacing the injured Paddy McAllister, another of the new generation of Irish prop hopefuls.

An Irish derby away, as tough a place to start for a young front rower but the 21 year old looked every bit the future Irish international. Solid, unforgiving in the tight and in the props bread and butter, he showed a calm that was beyond his years, winning the first scrum penalty against Connacht’s Ronan Loughney. McGrath is happy with how his career is progressing.

“It felt great, it felt like all the hard work I had put in over the last year or so had brought me there which was a massive confidence boost. It was incredibly tough but it was a learning experience for me and I really enjoyed it”. And at an athletic 6 foot and about 19 stone, there was ever only one position for the Leinster man.

“Yeah I’ve always been a prop. I never really wanted to play anywhere else either. I suppose my coaches in school saw that early, starting from the club under 10’s and Richie Hughes at u13’s to Brian Moore at JCT then onto to Rodney O’Donnell and David Breslin at SCT. They were a massive contribution to what kind of player I am today.”

A prop who can play both sides no less which could be a massive plus for for Irish rugby and indeed McGrath with a certain massive Healy sized shadow hanging over him. “I was always quietly confident that I could play both sides it was just a matter of getting a lucky break to go there with Leinster and taking my chance which thankfully was the case, I got some positive feedback from the few games at tighthead I got at the start of this season particularly in the A games. So that was good but yeah I feel comfortable on both sides.”

Playing in the club game has also given McGrath the hardnosed edge that all good young props require even in the academy driven era. Playing with a young St Mary’s side with an experienced core has helped McGrath in his development.

“The atmosphere is brilliant up in the club, the lads are great crack but when it comes down to business they know when to switch on which is one of the things I like about playing there and it helps that Ciaran Potts and Peter Smyth are fantastic coaches, who of course have the experience of playing with Leinster. Their experience is great to have because they have been there and done it already, their philosophy is to win, the same as Leinster.”

“And playing in the Ulster Bank League is a good testing ground for forwards in general, possibly for front rowers a bit more because your coming up against older props and hookers week on week who have a lot of experience under their belt. It can be tough.”

Playing with such experienced props such as Mike Ross is a huge advantage for any young player yet many would struggle to match the Irish tight head’s thirst for scrum knowledge and nous.

“I think everyone has their own way of doing things, I just go through videos and look at their strengths and weakness and just think of ways of how to exploit them. I’m constantly learning from them every day which is a challenge but it’s very enjoyable for me. I just think as a young player its important to watch and listen to the older lads when starting off and practice your techniques often, then respect your opponent but don’t fear them.

The Irish camp represents an opportunity to push his credentials and reputation even further but he is patient about his prospects.

“Being in the camp will be a great experience and I’m really looking forward to the training but I’m just taking it step by step at the moment. Hopefully I stay injury free over the next couple of weeks and do get some time for Leinster.”

A man on a mission, at the forefront of the Irish propping generation.

[neiliog93]

Don't think he'll make it at international level...I can see him being farmed out to Connacht within a season or two. I wouldn't read too much into him being called in to observe the Irish squad during the 6 Nations either (and only in place of another hideously average early-twenties prop, Paddy McAllister). It's harsh on a young lad but he's not good enough

[ceemec]

Don't think he'll make it at international level...I can see him being farmed out to Connacht within a season or two. I wouldn't read too much into him being called in to observe the Irish squad during the 6 Nations either (and only in place of another hideously average early-twenties prop, Paddy McAllister). It's harsh on a young lad but he's not good enough

Have to say, I reckon you're wrong especially about being farmed out. Leinster will be very reluctant to let him go. I'm not sure if you've seen a huge amount of him but, overall, he's developing steadily and is an acceptable enough scrummager at Pro12 level. 22 is still miles away from being where he'll end up as a prop. He is being brought through slowly and steadily. He was never going to be jumping any queues in Leinster with Healy (who is still only 24 somehow and will make his 100th appearance this season) and VDM keeping things together. However, with the proposed new rules, McGrath's value will increase massively as will the amount of attention and focus he receives from the specialist coaching staff just as Hagan is at the moment too. VDM's contract is up this season. If it's renewed, it will only be a one year deal. Munster will get the nod for the loosehead spot. The fact that he can and does play both sides of the scrum increases his worth significantly. If Ireland can develop a player that can do an acceptable job on both sides by the time he's 25 or 26, he'll be worth his weight in gold. He's someone the IRFU are definitely going to focus on as a project.

[tackle-bag]

Don't think he'll make it at international level...I can see him being farmed out to Connacht within a season or two. I wouldn't read too much into him being called in to observe the Irish squad during the 6 Nations either (and only in place of another hideously average early-twenties prop, Paddy McAllister). It's harsh on a young lad but he's not good enough

Way too early to write the lad off, or McAllister for that matter. Both guys are 22 years of age and have made 13 and 33 senior appearances respectively for 2 of the top 8 teams in Europe. They've made those appearances in a position in which most players only become comfortable during their mid-20s. To put it in context, Tom Court (who has come on enormously in the scrum this season) hadn't even played a game of senior rugby when he was their age, and in fact wouldn't do so until he was 24. I'm not saying either player is going to enter the IRB hall of fame, but McAllister has shown the prospect of enjoying a long and prosperous career with Ulster and Ireland. McGrath's not quite at that level yet, but I wouldn't bet against him still being a professional rugby player in 10 years' time.

[cully86]

hideously average early-twenties prop, Paddy McAllister)

Huh?

[LeRouxIsPHat]

I rate him pretty highly. He'll never be as good as Cian Healy but so what? I can see him playing a similar (but not quite as significant) role to Van der Merwe in the years to come. I know ceemec said above about him possibly playing both sides and being a really important player due to that versatility but I don't want to see him anywhere near the tighthead spot. I know he's only young but I just don't think he has it in him and I'd hate to see his loosehead play suffer as a result of spending (wasting!) time on the other side.

[CiaranIrl]

Don't think he'll make it at international level...I can see him being farmed out to Connacht within a season or two. I wouldn't read too much into him being called in to observe the Irish squad during the 6 Nations either (and only in place of another hideously average early-twenties prop, Paddy McAllister). It's harsh on a young lad but he's not good enough

That's what they said about Mike Ross when he was in his twenties. They were still saying it by the start of his 30s.

[ronk]

Don't think he'll make it at international level...I can see him being farmed out to Connacht within a season or two. I wouldn't read too much into him being called in to observe the Irish squad during the 6 Nations either (and only in place of another hideously average early-twenties prop, Paddy McAllister). It's harsh on a young lad but he's not good enough

That's what they said about Mike Ross when he was in his twenties. They were still saying it by the start of his 30s.

It was being said in some circles this time last year.

For some reason many Ulster fans don't seem to rate McAllister. I don't really see why.

It's hard to make big calls about guys like McGrath because there isn't a good frame of reference for development of academy props to international standard, Healy is too much of a freak. He also came through before scrummaging was as high priority and he had his own problems.

It's really only now he'll be getting a big chance. During the 6N is the time for him to kick on and make an impression.

[hugonaut]

I rate him pretty highly. He'll never be as good as Cian Healy but so what? I can see him playing a similar (but not quite as significant) role to Van der Merwe in the years to come. I know ceemec said above about him possibly playing both sides and being a really important player due to that versatility but I don't want to see him anywhere near the tighthead spot. I know he's only young but I just don't think he has it in him and I'd hate to see his loosehead play suffer as a result of spending (wasting!) time on the other side.

If the international regulations for match day squads stay the same, it's well worth keeping his hand in at tighthead. The 7-man bench is an anachronism, given that every professional league and cup competition in the NH and SH mandates an 8-man bench [and thus there are very few props who now play both sides], but I've heard the IRB defend it very recently. With Healy bolted into the LH jersey for the foreseeable future – and he's only two years older than McGrath – it makes sense for the Mary's man to hedge his bets.

In two years' time Tom Court [a middling TH at the best of times] will be turning 34. McGrath might well be looking at getting on the Ireland bench as a prop who can cover both sides at 24 years old.

[ronk]

I rate him pretty highly. He'll never be as good as Cian Healy but so what? I can see him playing a similar (but not quite as significant) role to Van der Merwe in the years to come. I know ceemec said above about him possibly playing both sides and being a really important player due to that versatility but I don't want to see him anywhere near the tighthead spot. I know he's only young but I just don't think he has it in him and I'd hate to see his loosehead play suffer as a result of spending (wasting!) time on the other side.

If the international regulations for match day squads stay the same, it's well worth keeping his hand in at tighthead. The 7-man bench is an anachronism, given that every professional league and cup competition in the NH and SH mandates an 8-man bench [and thus there are very few props who now play both sides], but I've heard the IRB defend it very recently. With Healy bolted into the LH jersey for the foreseeable future – and he's only two years older than McGrath – it makes sense for the Mary's man to hedge his bets.

In two years' time Tom Court [a middling TH at the best of times] will be turning 34. McGrath might well be looking at getting on the Ireland bench as a prop who can cover both sides at 24 years old.

Even with 8 man benches there are advantages to being able to switch. We go to 14 players if we need to go to uncontested scrums, we're less effected by injuries. From a squad perspective being able to start (even for the less important games) would reduce the need to have an additional prop on the payroll.

Tighthead: Ross, White, Hagan, McGrath
Loosehead: Healy, van der Merwe, McGrath.

From a development perspective (when McGrath is more developed himself) it means that you can put an academy loosehead on the bench with a plan to give him 10-15 minutes but still have cover if the starter goes down after 10 minutes.

[Donny B.]

If the international regulations for match day squads stay the same, it's well worth keeping his hand in at tighthead. The 7-man bench is an anachronism, given that every professional league and cup competition in the NH and SH mandates an 8-man bench [and thus there are very few props who now play both sides], but I've heard the IRB defend it very recently. With Healy bolted into the LH jersey for the foreseeable future – and he's only two years older than McGrath – it makes sense for the Mary's man to hedge his bets.

In two years' time Tom Court [a middling TH at the best of times] will be turning 34. McGrath might well be looking at getting on the Ireland bench as a prop who can cover both sides at 24 years old.

Was Super Rugby not still a seven-man bench last season?

[hugonaut]

If the international regulations for match day squads stay the same, it's well worth keeping his hand in at tighthead. The 7-man bench is an anachronism, given that every professional league and cup competition in the NH and SH mandates an 8-man bench [and thus there are very few props who now play both sides], but I've heard the IRB defend it very recently. With Healy bolted into the LH jersey for the foreseeable future – and he's only two years older than McGrath – it makes sense for the Mary's man to hedge his bets.

In two years' time Tom Court [a middling TH at the best of times] will be turning 34. McGrath might well be looking at getting on the Ireland bench as a prop who can cover both sides at 24 years old.

Was Super Rugby not still a seven-man bench last season?

I just checked that Donny, and you're absolutely right. My mistake.

[Donny B.]

If the international regulations for match day squads stay the same, it's well worth keeping his hand in at tighthead. The 7-man bench is an anachronism, given that every professional league and cup competition in the NH and SH mandates an 8-man bench [and thus there are very few props who now play both sides], but I've heard the IRB defend it very recently. With Healy bolted into the LH jersey for the foreseeable future – and he's only two years older than McGrath – it makes sense for the Mary's man to hedge his bets.

In two years' time Tom Court [a middling TH at the best of times] will be turning 34. McGrath might well be looking at getting on the Ireland bench as a prop who can cover both sides at 24 years old.

Was Super Rugby not still a seven-man bench last season?

I just checked that Donny, and you're absolutely right. My mistake.

Yeah, it seems the biggest resistance to the eight-man bench is coming from the Southern Hemisphere and as we all know, what they say goes with the IRB. You can understand it coming from the Aussies who struggle to produce even a couple of decent starting props, but you would have thought the Kiwis and Saffers would have been all for it.

[LeRouxIsPHat]

Lads, I'm aware of the benefits of him being able to play both sides thanks! I just don't think he'll ever be any way decent at tighthead and foresee a situation in 3/4 years time where his game hasn't improved at all if he was to flick between both sides during that time as opposed being a really good loosehead in 2 years or so.

[hugonaut]

Lads, I'm aware of the benefits of him being able to play both sides thanks! I just don't think he'll ever be any way decent at tighthead and foresee a situation in 3/4 years time where his game hasn't improved at all if he was to flick between both sides during that time as opposed being a really good loosehead in 2 years or so.

I think that's over the top LRIP – I don't see any reason why he shouldn't be able to play tighthead as well. There are a number of players out there who can cover both, like JB Poux, John Afoa, Owen Franks, Sylvain Marconnet, Matt Stevens, Freddie Pucciarello, Stan Wright etc. Why shouldn't an Irish guy be able to do it?

Ireland's problem is that we have used exactly the wrong sort of players in this role ... enormous guys like Buckley and Mushy who came very late to the propping position, and then were asked to play both sides! McGrath has been propping for his entire career [even if the schoolboy stuff is mickey-mouse in comparison] and has a much better build for it ... 13cm shorter than Mushy and only 10kg lighter.

[ruck]

Saw McGrath play for Mary's in their demolition job on Young Munsters recently and was very impressed with him.
The YM scrum has been dominating the AIL for the last couple of seasons and the Mary's front row took them apart that day.
Very handy player with a bright future.

[cormac]

Lads, I'm aware of the benefits of him being able to play both sides thanks! I just don't think he'll ever be any way decent at tighthead and foresee a situation in 3/4 years time where his game hasn't improved at all if he was to flick between both sides during that time as opposed being a really good loosehead in 2 years or so.

I think that's over the top LRIP – I don't see any reason why he shouldn't be able to play tighthead as well. There are a number of players out there who can cover both, like JB Poux, John Afoa, Owen Franks, Sylvain Marconnet, Matt Stevens, Freddie Pucciarello, Stan Wright etc. Why shouldn't an Irish guy be able to do it?

Ireland's problem is that we have used exactly the wrong sort of players in this role ... enormous guys like Buckley and Mushy who came very late to the propping position, and then were asked to play both sides! McGrath has been propping for his entire career [even if the schoolboy stuff is mickey-mouse in comparison] and has a much better build for it ... 13cm shorter than Mushy and only 10kg lighter.

No reason why he can't do it, but for the moment he'd be better off mastering one side first. With vd Merwe's contract due up at the end of this season there's a chance he'll decide to move on now (or we won't be allowed to hang on to him), rather than getting the bum's rush from the IRFU next season. From what I've seen McGrath already has the makings of a decent loose-head and he'll get plenty of game-time behind Healy next season if vd Merwe leaves.

[Donny B.]

Saw McGrath play for Mary's in their demolition job on Young Munsters recently and was very impressed with him.
The YM scrum has been dominating the AIL for the last couple of seasons and the Mary's front row took them apart that day.
Very handy player with a bright future.

They did the same to the Cork Con front row a couple of weeks back.

[Lar]

Ireland's problem is that we have used exactly the wrong sort of players in this role ... enormous guys like Buckley and Mushy who came very late to the propping position, and then were asked to play both sides! McGrath has been propping for his entire career [even if the schoolboy stuff is mickey-mouse in comparison] and has a much better build for it ... 13cm shorter than Mushy and only 10kg lighter.

???

[hugonaut]

Ireland's problem is that we have used exactly the wrong sort of players in this role ... enormous guys like Buckley and Mushy who came very late to the propping position, and then were asked to play both sides! McGrath has been propping for his entire career [even if the schoolboy stuff is mickey-mouse in comparison] and has a much better build for it ... 13cm shorter than Mushy and only 10kg lighter.

???

Sorry, meant Buckley and Court there.