“It’s only when you see him in the gym and what he does that you might think differently about it.”
Despite a rapid rise both at club level and now with Ireland, critics of Sam Prendergast are still strong in numbers on social media, with many still unhappy that Jack Crowley has been usurped at out-half.
A popular critique of the 22-year-old has been his tackling, which in turn brings up comments over his lanky and, seemingly, slight frame.
While tackling is not his strong point, particularly when compared with Crowley’s fondness for physical exchanges, it is an area of his game that has been improving.
Ireland’s Head of Athletic Performance, Aled Walters, has now come out to bat for the Leinster man, and is confident that there should be no worries over the rangy 6ft 4in and 91kg No 10.
Walters said: “People make comments about his physical development. It’s only when you see him in the gym and what he does that you might think differently about it.
“He is a big man. He’s much heavier than I think people give him credit for. He is a heavy outside-half. And he is strong.
“He knows it’s still an area [for development] because he is so young and with maturity he will naturally get stronger but he is fast and powerful and he moves incredibly well.
“I don’t see it as a massive project for him to develop physically. He is in a pretty good place already.”
“Because of his appearance…he’s quite lanky isn’t he, he’s quite thin. People think he is fragile and I don’t see it myself.”
