Schools Rugby: Q&A - Rugby memories, drug testing and supplements

Darragh Fanning

(St Mary’s College, 2004)

Abiding memory of schools rugby? "Sadly it's not a good memory. I was on the Johnny Sexton team that led Blackrock 17-3 at half-time but they came back and beat us."

When did rugby become a career option? "It was different when I was in school – it wasn't so much a career, you just wanted to play for Leinster. Now it is fully professional."

Supplements – more education needed or leave schoolboys to their own devices? "I don't believe just leave them at it. It's become such a touchy subject, so maybe there is a need for better education. Maybe kids see it as a shortcut. What we learn in Leinster is a good diet is as good as taking supplements."

Do you advocate dope testing in schools? "Is there a need for it? Personally I don't think there is, but maybe that one in a 1,000th kid . . . it might scare him off doing it. Maybe throw in the odd random testing. But I think it is being blown out of proportion."

Brendan Macken

(Blackrock College, 2009)

Abiding memory of schools rugby? "Beating Terenure in the final in 2009. I made a big break, had a winger outside me, should have given it, but I wanted the glory. I tripped up before the line, unfortunately."

When did rugby become a career option? "In fifth year we were like a professional team and I enjoyed working so hard. We had weights in the morning, video in the afternoon and then training. Then you get called into Leinster schools and Ireland schools."

Supplements – more education needed or leave schoolboys to their own devices? "They should be educated. Some kids waste their time spending €60 on a tub of protein that goes in and straight back out. I know that in Blackrock they have proper S&C coaches who give them nutritional guidelines that seem to be reaping rewards because the teams are getting bigger each year."

Do you advocate dope testing in schools? "Yeah, definitely, because there are probably are some kids who chance their arm a little bit to get the edge on others. It would be fair and safer if they were to test kids."

Luke McGrath

(St Michael’s College, 2010)

Abiding memory of schools rugby? "I lost two junior cups and a senior cup final. The senior cup was when I was in fifth year, and that was very tough to lose."

When did rugby become a career option? "After the junior cup, when the Leinster under-18s started. That's when I first thought about it."

Supplements – more education needed or leave schoolboys to their own devices? "You want them off them completely. But if they are going to take them, they do need to be educated as there are some dodgy ones out there definitely."

Do you advocate dope testing in schools? "Maybe. I don't think there is a need for it, to be honest."

Cian Healy

(Belvedere College, 2006)

Abiding memory of schools rugby? "When I went through the middle of a lineout and ran down the wing and hit Vas [Artemiev]. That stands out. I was carrying and I went over him."

When did rugby become a career option? "It was in fourth year that I said it to my folks. Not put study on the back burner, but I said I was going to be putting a lot more time into sport – not only rugby but shot, discus and Olympic lifting. I started to really drive it on. For free classes I was in the gym. My folks were really supportive."

Supplements – more education needed or leave schoolboys to their own devices? "It's about being wise about it . . . In second year I took whey protein, a harmless thing, off one of the good brands."

Do you advocate dope testing in schools? "I never thought there were situations like that in school. I remember people saying it to me when I was younger because I was bigger than everyone, 'Aw, you're on steroids'. It was something I just laughed it off. I think at school level it's quite invasive, but at the same time a lot of school kids are getting much more inclined to do that sort of thing so, it could be something that could be brought in."