No wonder Joe Schmidt is sticking around.
The New Zealander’s two-year contract extension with Ireland was announced on Monday and, unsurprisingly, there was talk of World Cup 2019.
One of the main motivators for Schmidt staying on are his feelings there is unfinished business with the Irish team and the knowledge that there are some truly talented players coming down the line.
He has followed the progress of the Ireland U20s closely over the past few years and is enthused about the next batch coming through. While Josh van der Flier and Ultan Dillane have already made the step-up, the likes of Garry Ringrose, Jacob Stockdale, Andrew Porter and James Ryan are not far off.
Schmidt is also keenly aware of the players that will become Irish qualified in the coming weeks, months and years. Jake Heenan should be good to go this November and even more riches are due for the November 2017 Guinness Series – Tom McCartney, Tyler Bleyendaal and this man.
Bundee Aki’s new contract with Connacht – announced with the “delight” of the IRFU – have Irish supporters speculating on what could be in just over a year’s time.
Aki has yet to definitively nail his colours to the mast about playing for Ireland but he did meet the press in Galway this morning. Keep an eye out for comments on donning a new green jersey.
Were Schmidt to draft Aki and Bleyendaal in for Irish duty, next November, it could lead to a seriously exciting Irish back row. Getting ahead of ourselves, here is Ireland’s potential 2017 backline.
HALF BACKS: Conor Murray & Tyler Bleyendaal
For the sake of shaking things up, we are resting Johnny Sexton and bringing in the Munster out-half. Luke McGrath and Kieran Marmion should be pushing his provincial teammate, Murray, by then too. We also have Paddy Jackson and Ian Madigan as potential 10s.
CENTRES: Bundee Aki & Garry Ringrose
This will all make sense once you see our fullback. A potent mix of power and grace with line breaks all over the shop.
WINGERS: Cian Kelleher and Jacob Stockdale
We’re going Connacht/Ulster here. These lads are in the ‘promising’ category now but both have shown they are more than capable at PRO12 level. Another season with the big lads and they should be ready to go. We also have Niyi Adeolokun and Craig Gilroy to call on.
FULLBACK: Robbie Henshaw
He is having a stormer for Leinster in the 12 jersey and had a couple of good outings at 13 for Ireland, against South Africa, but he would be a serious attacking, physical and kick-chase weapon for Ireland at 15. Jared Payne should still be going strong by then.
2017 can’t come quick enough, but let’s not wish our lives away.
Colm Parkinson chats to Kerry GAA legend, and author, Kieran Donaghy in a special edition of The GAA Hour. Listen below or subscribe on iTunes
