DUNNE OFF TO PRIDE
Irish fullback Simon Dunne will enter the prestigious Pacific Pride program this fall after playing for the Irish this summer; Pride Coach John MacMillan's letter to the ICRC is as follows.
| Mark, I am writing to tell you and the Irish Canadians that after recent conversations Simon Dunne has been accepted to the Pacific Pride / Young Canada for the 2004/2005 season. I am looking forward to having an athlete of Simon's quality in the program. He fits the current trend of outside backs at the Pride, tall and fast. Simon will join other top prospects such as Justin Mensah-Coker and Mike Pyke at fullback or on the wing. Simon will be working very hard this summer to get prepared for the challenges of September, I know the ICRC and his team-mates will provide him with the support he will require to achieve training and performance goals. Congratulations to Simon and your program. Sincerely, John MacMillan Director and Head Coach Pacific Pride/Young Canada |
Dunne, who spent last season in
Australia, will be the third Irish player*
to attend the program
Dennis Van Kerrebroeck - 2000
Derek Daypuck - 2000
He is expected to join the ICRC
ahead of the May 1 game @ Burlington.
*Jason
Verstraten and Ted Howard joined the Pride as members of Barrie RFC, then joined
the ICRC on their return. Howard has since rejoined Barrie and is in
semi-retirement.