The youngster is expected to play a huge role in Ireland’s Six Nations championship.
You can’t help but be impressed with what Garry Ringrose has achieved in his short Ireland career to date.
From making his first cap in Ireland’s 52-21 victory over Canada in November to being thrust into arguably one of the most physical and intense Test matches in recent memory against New Zealand and finally, having to deal with playing in an injury-ravaged backline against a formidable Wallabies outfit.
It’s safe to say that there have been easier introductions to Test rugby.
Ringrose has been long earmarked as the successor to Ireland’s 13 jersey but for all the talk and impressive showings he has put in for province and country, the real test awaits him in the forthcoming Six Nations.
Ringrose will partner Robbie Henshaw in the centre against Scotland in Murrayfield on Saturday and although they have forged an impressive partnership at club level, they have yet to do so for their country.
With the hope that the two players remain injury free, we will get an idea over the coming weeks whether this partnership will be the mainstay of the Irish midfield for the coming years.
One man who is confident that Ringrose can fulfill his endless potential is someone who sees him on the training pitch week in, week out, Leinster backs coach, Girvan Dempsey.
“Garry has barely scratched the surface of what he can do.
“He just bounces onto the training field. And we’re just constantly looking forward to seeing what’s going to come next,” the former Leinster and Ireland international told Sky Sports.Â
Dempsey, of course, outlines the attacking attributes which Ringrose possesses but he makes a special mention to his defensive qualities, which were on display in his two appearances against the All Blacks and Australia, and of course, his partnership with Henshaw.
“He’s developing a good partnership with Robbie (Henshaw) now, that’s really coming on well.
“But he’s also a very physical defender, he’s extremely committed to that part of the game and can certainly offer a punch in the tackle.”
The next seven weeks will tell a lot, but we fully expect Ringrose to rise to the occasion and fully establish himself as an international Test rugby player.
