Master these three aspects of your game and you will be a serious asset to any team.
Back in the baggy jersey days, being a winger often involved chipping in with a try on a monthly basis and trying to keep your kit as clean as possible.
Now, in a stats-driven era, touching down in the corners and targeting front row forwards for line breaks is just the beginning. The modern winger has to hit rucks, run support lines, win turnovers, claim up-and-unders, and restarts, and cover a serious amount of ground.
We caught up with Ulster and Ireland winger Craig Gilroy to get some tips on how to excel as a winger in the modern game.
“The modern winger for me,” Gilroy begins, “would be, first and foremost, finishing ability. You want your wings to find the tryline.
“Secondly, I’d say speed. That is a vital component of your game. Short bursts and the ability to outpace someone over longer distances.”
“The third thing you must have is decent aerial ability,” Gilroy adds, “especially with the way the game is going.
“I always considered aerial skills quite a positive for me. I played a bit of Gaelic when I was younger and I found that was quite handy.
“I always felt comfortable but it is something that is important to keep working on and improving.”
There would be little argument that Gilroy is proficient in those three areas but one perceived flaw is his defence.
He says, “My strengths are certainly attacking and going forward. I don’t want to have gaps in any part of my game.
“Since Joe Schmidt came in, for Ireland, I’m always working defensively and getting myself in the right position to make tackles. I know I have the tackling capabilities but it is about honing that defensive awareness.”
