When did you first play?

When I was ten. I went down to my local club, Waterford, with my older brother.

Who’s been a big influence on your career? 

My mum! She’s driven me everywhere for training and travels to nearly all my games too.

Where are you playing rugby now?

I’m in my second year in the Munster Academy. We have top quality coaches and great players around to get tips from. There’s a lot of emphasis on video analysis too. I have one more year in the academy.

How long have you been with Ireland U20?

Since last year’s Junior World Cup in France.

Were you pleased with how this year’s Junior World Cup went?

It’s a great honour for me to captain my country and to get to a semi was a dream come true. England went at us from the start and we were chasing the game from the off, but it was great for us to get that far.

RW verdict: A good leader and an athletic, talented player, this 20-year-old back-row has a bright future.

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