Sam Prendergast hits back at critics of his size

Ahead of his first start for Ireland, 21-year-old out-half Sam Prendergast has had his take on what he believes to be an unfair assessment of his physique.

The Leinster No 10 had one of the most anticipated Irish rugby debuts in recent years when he replaced Jack Crowley against Argentina last Friday, and duly delivered an encouraging cameo as Ireland eked out a 22-19 win.

And later today he will take to the Aviva field, where a powerful Fiji team awaits, no doubt poised to test the youngster on both sides of the ball.

Prendergast possesses an impressive all-round game considering his youth, with his passing, vision and kicking out of hand all at a high standard.

He is currently listed on the Leinster rugby website at 6'4" and 91kg - although his weight is likely to be greater than this number after months of conditioning. And the chosen stick used to bash him with has been his defence and his slender shape.

There have been clear improvements in these areas, but a couple of moments on Friday certainly fuelled the belief of many that he is still too small for Test rugby.

But, as he does on the pitch, Prendergast confidently hit back.

He said: "I dunno, I definitely think I can get better at defence. Slight? I think that's a bit harsh, I'm just quite tall. I could definitely put on a bit of size. I'm not in a huge rush to do that. I think I'm decently heavy for the position I play.

“I'm definitely trying to get better at my defence. I've been working with coaches in Leinster and Ireland coaches about it. Jack Crowley has defended very well over the first couple of games, Johnny Sexton was a great defender, people who I look up to like Owen Farrell, great defender.

“It's obviously a huge part of the game. You spend half the game without the ball. You've got to be very good at it. I am really trying to get better at it. I think the slight thing is a bit harsh.”