30 Jul Navan Trio Gain Experience with Leinster U18 Youths at UK Blitz
The preparations for the upcoming 2026 PwC Underage Interprovincial Series gathered intense momentum over the weekend as the Leinster U18 Boys Youths squad traveled across the Irish Sea to Newcastle’s Cochrane Park for a high-calibre Redbull Competition blitz.
Among the traveling panel were three proud Navan RFC youth standouts: Jimmy Shorten, Conor Martin, and Evan Lawless. Following last week’s game against their Schools counterparts, under gloriously sunny skies, the trio featured prominently across three action-packed, 30-minute fixtures against Premiership academy sides and provincial rivals, providing a rigorous test of fitness, execution, and resilience.
Game 1: Leinster v Sale Sharks Academy
Leinster opened their blitz campaign against a physically dominant and clinical Sale Sharks Academy side. While Sale eventually secured a 14–0 victory, the fixture provided a stern defensive test where Leinster worked tirelessly at the breakdown and competed fiercely against Sale’s quick ball recycling.
Game 2: Leinster v Newcastle Redbulls
The second fixture against the host team, Newcastle Redbulls, proved to be a fast, furious, and highly physical affair. Leinster showed sharp attacking intent early on, highlighted by a brilliant team try.
As Newcastle shifted to a more direct, heavy-carrying game plan, Leinster put their bodies on the line in tight channels, repeatedly chopping down Newcastle’s large ball-carriers on the gain line. Despite a heroic defensive stand on the 5-metre line, Newcastle’s size eventually told in the closing minutes, snatching a narrow 12–7 win.
Game 3: Leinster v Munster Schools
Saving their finest performance for last, Leinster capped off the blitz with a commanding 24–5 victory over Munster Schools in an intense provincial clash.
Driven by a ruthless work rate from the forward pack carrying aggressively and securing crucial turnover ball possession. Leinster established absolute control at the set piece and collision area. Snappy service allowed Leinster to move the ball with rapid speed into space. It was a dominant, clinical team display and a just reward for the squad’s immense efforts throughout the day.
Looking Ahead to the Interpros
Gaining top-tier international match practice against opposition like Sale Sharks and Newcastle is an invaluable milestone for Jimmy, Conor, and Evan. Their performances under high pressure demonstrate the continued strength and quality of the youth development pathway at Balreask Old.
Everyone at Navan RFC extends huge congratulations to the three lads on a fantastic tour in Newcastle. We wish them, and the entire Leinster U18 Youths squad, the very best of luck as they put the finishing touches on their preparations for the PwC Interprovincial Championship kickoff next month!