Stuart Olding was supposed to be the next big thing. He still could be but injuries are ravaging him.
The 24-year-old has impressed just about every coach he has come across, at provincial and international level. He can cover outhalf, fullback and both inside and outside centre and is capable of moments of magic that can unlock opposition defences.
He is the type of skillful centre with pace, and eye for a pass, low centre of gravity and footwork to do a job for Ireland. That he has played just four times for them since his Test debut in 2013 tells you a lot.
Olding’s long list of injuries tells you the rest.
Most of Olding’s 2013/14 was affected by a nasty knee injury. He has also had other knee issues and an elbow injury cost him another three months on the sidelines.
This afternoon, Ulster Rugby confirmed another “significant” injury. A press release stated:
“Stuart Olding sustained a significant left ankle injury (versus Ospreys) and he will see an ankle specialist today to decide on further management.”
The latest blow will see Olding miss Ireland’s summer tour to Japan and the United States. It comes 24 hours after Munster confirmed winger Ronan O’Mahony had fractured his leg.
Olding’s injury could well see former Ulster teammate Chris Farrell included in a Joe Schmidt squad that is expected to number 30-plus. Farrell could line out beside Rory Scannell three months before they do so in Munster red.
Farrell, who is joining Munster from Grenoble this summer, has already earned the praise of Ronan O’Gara. The former Munster outhalf told The Hard Yards:
“I think we’ll see him in the red and green jersey next season.
“At six-foot-five and with his variety of skills, he has something to offer at national level that we haven’t seen. The guy is the same size as Joe Rokocoko or Donnacha Ryan and he’s playing in the centre.
“His passing game, left to right and right to left, is really good. He’s working with an under the radar coach in Mike Prendergast down at Grenoble and he has been mentoring him for two years. He has been drilling skills into Chris; he’s not just a gym monkey.”
With Olding out of action for a while, Schmidt could go with Scannell, Farrell, Luke Marshall and Garry Ringrose as his midfield options.
Farrell may yet wear green before he dons red.
