Robin McBryde on Leinster's depth: 'It is a luxury that isn't lost on me'

Leinster assistant coach Robin McBryde said the timing of the upcoming Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa is not ideal as Leinster get their season underway.

Leinster are set to be without 12 players as a squad is set to make their way to South Africa in two weeks' time.

Players on the tour will likely miss at least two URC games, just as the season gets underway.

The Emerging Ireland team will face the Pumas in the campaign opener on Wednesday, October 2nd, before going head-to-head with Super Rugby outfit Western Force on Sunday, October 6th.

They will conclude the Tour against defending Currie Cup champions the Cheetahs on Wednesday, October 9th, with all matches being played at Toyota Stadium.

Speaking to the media ahead of Leinster's first game of the season away to Edinburgh on Friday, McBryde says it is not an ideal situation for the province, but understands the opportunity it presents to players.

"You can understand from a national perspective, they want to keep an eye on players and how they are developing and grow their depth charts.

"It is not ideal timing for us because we are going to leave ourselves exposed with a couple of injuries in certain positions. It is what it is, and we have just got to get on with it.

"I am sure it will be a great experience for those youngsters that will be selected.

“They are going away and representing their country at the end of the day.

"At the mean time, we have just got to suck it up, and see how we come through on the other side."

Much of Leinster's success as come down to their younger players, which has also ensured the can challenge in the URC and the Champions Cup.

With Irish internationals set to be integrated into the squad after a long season that ended with a famous win in South Africa, it is likely the younger players in the squad will step up once again in Edinburgh.

McBryde acknowledges not every team is this fortunate with the depth in their squad,

"It is absolutely brilliant, it is a luxury that isn't lost on me. Three quality packs, going at it toe-to toe at this stage of the season is a great mix in there.

"For them to be able to rub shoulders with some of the best players in the world, there is no better experience for them.

"You can try to explain to any youngster what it is like to come up against an international front row, but unless you have actually done and experienced it yourself, you are never going to fully know.

"We have got to make sure they are given time to flourish, and hopefully they get it on that emerging Ireland tour."