The Leinster Metro development squad is the first step for all club players into the ring of representative rugby. The initial introduction into rep rugby with Leinster is a major step for our young youth players. The Leinster Metro begins for players at 15 years old. The players are recruited and put through a number of trials before a summer training squad is selected. Throughout the summer, players train at Energia Park twice a week with trial matches included across the summer months. Furthermore, players are given the opportunity to enhance their pitch skills and develop their strength and conditioning knowledge and abilities. Finally, a squad is selected for the Shane Horgan Cup, where the Leinster Metro squad compete against the other 4 Leinster development regions – North East, Midlands, North Midlands, and South East. 

Every year Suttonians RFC have a significant contribution to the Leinster Metro squads. Notable Suttonians youth players from the past such as Jack Aungier (Connacht Rugby) and Sean Cribbin (Irish Sevens) both began their representative rugby careers with the Leinster Metro program. This year, 7 of our Suttonians RFC players have been selected to represent the Leinster Metro’s in the Shane Horgan Cup 2022/23. Those players include Ben Barnes, Simon Cantwell, Ryan Curly, Michael Bolger, Adam Coffey, Ponamu Palazatti and Matthew Loughney. This is not only a great honour for these young men, but also an indication of the talent that Suttonians RFC is developing. 

Over the incoming season, these players will have the opportunity to be selected to play in the Shane Horgan Cup 2022/23 fixtures. Below you will find the fixtures for the Leinster Metro’s campaign (venues TBC). All support and wishes are not only welcome but also encouraged as these promising young Suttonians men represent our club within Leinster. 

• Leinster Metro v Leinster South East  -  Wednesday, 31st August 2022
• Leinster Metro v Leinster Midlands  -  Wednesday, 2nd November 2022
• Leinster Metro v Leinster North Midlands  -  Wednesday, 4th January 2023
• Leinster Metro v Leinster North East  -  Wednesday, Wednesday, 15th February 2023