Leinster’s season has gone from strength to strength after an attritional European win away to La Rochelle and they look to remain competitive for the long-term given the sheer depth coming through their academy.
Their front-row in particular remains the envy of Europe. Tadhg Furlong is one of the premier tighthead props in the sport and his combination alongside Dan Sheehan and loosehead Andrew Porter looks set to reform in the upcoming Six Nations.
The Blues aren’t short on options, with uncapped tighthead Jack Boyle, just 22, the only potential debutant named in Ireland’s squad ahead of the impending competition.
Boyle is just one of the latest batch of front-row options impressing in Dublin, with fellow tighthead Thomas Clarkson making his Ireland debut during the Autumn Nations Series a few months ago.
Another debutant, hooker Gus McCarthy was outstanding when Ireland met Fiji during the previous Test window, prompting calls for the Leinster man to move to Munster where his presence would undoubtedly be welcomed.
Leinster is not the only province with exciting young personnel coming through, Munster themselves have back-rowers Brian Gleeson and Ruadhan Quinn coming through in tandem with second-row Evan O’Connell – nephew of Paul.
Ulster are rightly excited by the presence of Cormac Izuchukwu and James McNabney while Connacht pair Cathal Forde and Ben Murphy have been chosen as development players by interim Ireland boss Simon Easterby.
Jackman claims Niall Smyth will be ‘next Tadhg Furlong’
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However, one tyro we are yet to see at senior level has former Ireland international and prominent pundit Bernard Jackman more excited than any other.
Niall Smyth, a tighthead in the Leinster academy and 2024 Senior Cup winner with Blackrock College is a ‘special’ talent, according to the analyst.
17 March 2024; Niall Smyth of Blackrock College celebrates after his side’s victory in the Bank of Ireland Leinster Schools Senior Cup final match between Blackrock College and St Michael’s College at the RDS Arena in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
While Leinster are not short on options for the number three shirt, it is Smyth who Jackman believes to be the natural heir to two-times Lions tourist Furlong down the line.
Smyth, who scored try braces in three consecutive games for Blackrock en-route to that Senior Cup win, played alongside McCarthy before being added to Leinster academy ahead of this season.
“All the players you mentioned will be very familiar to people who watch provincial rugby but the best of them all is injured at the moment,” Jackman told the RTE Rugby Podcast.
Niall Smyth, the tighthead from Blackrock College – he was Gus McCarthy’s teammate. He is special… he is the next Tadhg Furlong.
“He had his shoulder operated on last month so we won’t see him for a while – he might be back in time for the summer tour.
“Clarkson is amazing, Boyle is really good as are all those lads we know about but Niall Smyth is the next Gus McCarthy-type to come from nowhere, fast.”
He has started for Leinster ‘A’ this season, notably against Munster ‘A’ during November.
Smyth is set to remain on the sidelines but if he is fit in-time, Ireland’s summer meetings with Romania and Georgia should provide a potential opportunity for the 19-year-old.
Regardless, Jackman’s comments are a major endorsement of the teenager.
SEE ALSO: Ronan O’Gara Admits La Rochelle Tough Love “Went Too Far” Ahead Of Leinster Rematch
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Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2025-01-16 23:07:10
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