Jackman: Emerging Ireland Tour a 'terrible' idea

RTÉ Rugby analyst Bernard Jackman has branded the upcoming Emerging Ireland tour of South Africa as a "terrible idea", citing both the timing of the venture and the poor quality of the opposition involved.

The 35-man squad was named this afternoon by coach Simon Easterby, which contains just four players who've been capped at senior level, Ulster's Robert Balacoune, Connacht's Caolin Blade, Leinster's Max Deegan and Munster's Shane Daly.

The touring group will play three games against Griquas (30 September), Pumas (5 October) and Cheetahs (9 October). Easterby heads the coaching party for the Emerging Ireland, assisted by Paul O'Connell, Mike Catt and John Fogarty.

Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell outlined the rationale behind the endeavour, saying it "provides another window for players to develop and show they can thrive in the intensity of a national environment".

IRFU High Performance Director David Nucifora acknowledged the project would "put some stress on our player resources" but argued it will "provide an opportunity for emerging talent to impress the national coaches early in a World Cup season".

However, former Ireland hooker Jackman sees it as a futile venture, saying the timing is unfair to the provincial coaches and there's little to learn from the opposition involved.

"I think it's a terrible idea," Jackman told the RTÉ Rugby podcast.

"I think it sends the wrong message to the provincial coaches of where they stand in the pecking order. There was 40-odd players that went away this summer. They're going to be drip-fed back in during the season.

"The URC is getting stronger. Points are going to count for a lot, early doors. To lose some of your key players, particularly when some of the international players are not