The Portlaoise RFC club captain for 2025-2026 is Ryan McEvoy, ably supported by Vice Captain Mark Kelly. Both players hail from proud Portlaoise RFC families that have been involved with the club for many years. The club is also thrilled to announce that Bryan Croke returns to conclude his career with his home club, Portlaoise RFC. This is a clear statement of intent from the club as we aim to build on our positive work from last season and target promotion for next season. Bryan left Portlaoise in 2010 to pursue senior rugby, where his playing career took him to Boyne RFC, Waitamata in New Zealand, Randwick, Australia, Wimbledon RFC (English National League), and he played 72 games for Naas RFC in 1B of the All-Ireland League. Bryan works for Leinster Rugby, where he serves as Coach and Player Development Officer. Bryan stated, “that it was always an ambition of mine to return and give back to the club that gave me so much starting my rugby career.”
The coaching group for the adult section will again include John Bagnall, Paddy McEvoy, Rachel Walshe (Athletic Therapist), and Lar Hogan (Manager). Our Academy will feature over 60 players competing in two under-18 ½ competitions. We hope to enter the under-20 Harry Gale competition after Christmas, as we will have enough players to compete in the 20s, and it is the Club’s target to enter a team in the JP Fanagan under-20 league in 2026-2027 as part of our Strategic Pathways for Rugby participation. The Academy group of coaches welcomes Dermot Dunne as overall head Coach and Phil McGowan as overall manager, ably assisted by an energetic team of coaches, Backs Coach – Peter O’Neill, Skills Coach – Johnny Butler, Forwards Coaches, Glen Adams, Mark Phelan, Glen Cooper, Backs Coaches, Karl Byrne, Thomas Mc Cormack, Liam Culliton, Strength & Conditioning Coaches Pat Cuddy, John Ging, Mick Comer (Sports Therapist), most of whom have come up through the ranks with the lads.
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