Youth movement.
Their inclusion in an extended training panel was a welcome sign that much-needed new blood will be injected into the Ireland squad, and Leinster backs coach Girvan Dempsey believes that Josh van der Flier and Garry Ringrose are well able to make an impression at the highest level.
The Leinster pair were among several new faces at the Carton House gathering, which also saw uncapped Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey, Connacht lock Ultan Dillane and stand-in Munster captain CJ Stander make their first appearances in the Ireland senior set-up.
Whether this is just a gentle introduction or a precursor to involvement in the upcoming Six Nations remains the privy of head coach Joe Schmidt, but having guided both through the Leinster academy, Dempsey has faith in back row Van der Flier and centre Ringrose to perform.
“Both of them would be very capable and would do their utmost to make sure they’d be prepared for it. Obviously it’s a big step up from Pro12 to Europe and Europe to international, but we’ll just have to see how they go before the Six Nations.
“It’s a big challenge for them, but both of them would love the opportunity to do it.”The pair have won rave reviews for their displays in the blue jersey this season, and Dempsey has hailed their determination to break into the senior squad.
“They’re two really good guys and they’re naturally grounded themselves,” the former Ireland full-back said.
“They worked hard and the plaudits they’re getting is down to the hard work they’ve put in. Very mature kids for their age and they’ve gone about their business very professionally – how they put the work in off the field and behind the scenes is a testament to them.”
While 22-year-old Van der Flier signed his first professional contract over the summer, Ringrose remains a member of the Academy, meaning he is earning as little as €4,000 this season, plus bonuses.
“That’s up to the powers that be,” said Dempsey, when asked about calls to elevate the 20-year-old to a full deal.
“I don’t think anyone in Irish Rugby ever tries to hold anybody back, but the powers that be will have conversations with Garry and his representatives around that.”
