There were few, if any, positives to take from last night's World Rugby U20 Championship final between Ireland U20s and France U20s, but these past few months of following the Irish team has given us a glimpse into the future.
We have already seen Ruadhan Quinn and Sam Prendersgast light it up in the URC, with Conor O'Tighearnaigh and Liam Molony both getting minutes as well.
After an U20s Grand Slam and a trip to the World Championship final, we have picked out four players who will likely make their URC debuts next season.
James McNabney
24 June 2023; Irish rugby ; James McNabney of Ireland U20s during the U20 Rugby World Cup match between England and Ireland at Paarl Gymnasium in Paarl, South Africa. Photo by Shaun Roy/Sportsfile
The Ulsterman has two advantages in that he happens to be a very good and dynamic player, and that Ulster are lacking depth in their pack and their backrow.
While the province were not keen to blood too many youg'uns last season, the tall blindside looks in prime position to get minutes in during the 2023/24 season.
Hugh Cooney
24 June 2023; Irish rugby ; Hugh Cooney of Ireland U20s heads for the try line to score during the U20 Rugby World Cup match between England and Ireland at Paarl Gymnasium in Paarl, South Africa. Photo by Shaun Roy/Sportsfile
READ HERE: The Ireland U20s Giant Who Traded A Hurley And Tipp Colours For An Oval Ball And A Green Jersey
Leinster posses the best depth, maybe in all of world rugby, but they can also afford to play men who are way off the the starting XV, such is the quality of their system, coaching, and, of course, their 'inherent advantages'.
Blackrock man Cooney was a big loss after after suspension he picked up against England, and he was one of the stand out players in the U20s Six Nations.
Leinster do have depth at centre with Liam Turner and Jamie Osborne both shining last season, but there should be space for Cooney to make at least a couple of appearances, and possibly overtake a few men ahead of him in the pecking order.
Fintan Gunne
9 July 2023; Irish rugby ; Fintan Gunne of Ireland U20s during the U20 Rugby World Cup semi-final match between Ireland and South Africa at Athlone Sports Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. Photo by Shaun Roy/Sportsfile
With Nick McCarthy moving onto the United States, Gibson Park busy with Ireland, and Luke McGrath not getting any younger, Gunne could rack up some game time in one of the Italy or South Africa fixtures, or even an away trip to the Dragons.
His play style is very similar to that of Gibson Park's - quick, and always looking to catch the opposition off guard - and has a good rapport with young Sam Prendergast.
Brian Gleeson
29 June 2023; Irish rugby ; Brian Gleeson of Ireland U20s is tackled by Lachlan Hooper of Australia during the U20 Rugby World Cup match between Australia and Ireland at Paarl Gymnasium in Paarl, South Africa. Photo by Thinus Maritz/Sportsfile
All of a sudden, the Munster academy is starting to bear its teeth once more, churning out a number of young and fearsome forwards over the last couple of years.
Gleeson could be the best of the lot, and while the likes of John Hodnett, Ruadhan Quinn, and Alex Kendellen are ahead of him, you simply have to give a talent like Gleeson game time at the top level.
Expect him to get a nomination for player of the tournament at the World Rugby U20 Championship.
SEE ALSO: 'I Haven't Played A Team Like That' - Ireland U20s Captain On Final Loss
