This time last year, Garry Ringrose was preparing for Ireland’s Under-20s Six Nations campaign. This week, the Leinster centre is in training with the senior squad.
The rapid elevation of Ringrose, Josh van der Flier, Ultan Dillane and Finlay Bealham will give hope to every member of Nigel Carolan’s U20 squad.
Carolan’s team began the 2015 championship with wins over Italy and France before falling away in the latter stages. This time out, a host of up-and-comers have been drafted in.
We have picked out the five top prospects to keep your eye on in Friday’s Six Nations opener [kick-off at 7:35pm] at Donnybrook Stadium, Dublin.
Brett Connon (Ireland)
Born in Carlisle and not due to turn 20 until late August of this year, Connon plies his trade in England with Newcastle Falcons.
Connon impressed with the Irish Exiles and is their only representative in the Irish squad. The out-half has represented Ireland at U18 level, has a smart turn of pace, great awareness of teammates and is a more than competent goal-kicker, who you can expect to see sprung from the bench against Wales.
Here, courtesy on the man himself, are some of his best bits from recent years:
James Ryan (Ireland)
The second row will lead Ireland in the upcoming campaign. He is an absolute beast in terms of size and stature. Ryan stretches the tape to 6′ 8″ and weighs in at just under 17 stone.
Ryan was part of the Leinster U19s that took last year’s Interpro title. He comes from that famous Dublin rugby finishing school, St Michael’s.
The 19-year-old has pedigree as a leader of men. He has captained St Michael’s, Ireland U18s and Leinster’s U18, U19 and U20 sides. Currently working on adding timber to his frame with Dave Fagan and the Leinster sub-academy, Ryan made his Leinster A debut in the British & Irish Cup late last year.
Shane Fenton (Ireland)
From Cratloe in the Banner County, Fenton is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Anthony Foley and Keith Wood in representing Clare at the highest level. Strong Limerick connections too after a stellar schools career with Ardscoil Rís.
Fenton has been turning heads at the University of Limerick, where he has been in training with Munster’s sub academy, and has earned high praise from Munster U20 coach Peter Malone. Has done well when allowed game time with club side Young Munster.
Fenton, on the bench in Donnybrook for tonight’s Electric Ireland international, will turn 21 near the tail-end of the championship and will hope to break into a Munster team in need of some fit, agile, accurate hookers.
Adam McBurney (Ireland)
Another hooker to watch out for here but Carolan should give the Ulsterman and Munster’s Shane Fenton a fair crack and decent game time.
The 19-year-old has stood out in a number of Ulster Bank League ties for Ballymena and is highly rated by the Ulster coaching staff, at representative level. Will need to have an outstanding championship to come on a senior radar that already features Rory Best, Rob Herring and John Andrew.
Adam Beard (Wales)
The 6′ 8″ lock made his senior Ospreys debut way back in the mists of time – the 2013/14 season. Having caught the eye of Ospreys captain Alun Wyn Jones, he has trained closely with the experienced second row. Beard has one senior appearance this season [four in total in his career] and may be asked to juggle international commitments with Guinness PRO12 duty.
Beard, who turned 20 at the beginning of January, just about qualifies for this season’s championship. For Friday’s opener, he will partner Cardiff’s Shane Lewis-Hughes in the second row.
*Pics of Connon and Beard courtesy of Newcastle Falcons and Ospreys
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