Ultan Dillane is taking everything in his stride. Ireland debut, playing for the Guinness PRO12 leaders and hearing praise from every coach and teammate that he comes into contact.
Dillane is in line for his third cap, against Scotland, this weekend and is likely to start on the bench again.
His two cameos in this year’s Six Nations have offered excellent glimpses of a man in possession of huge power and athletic ability.
The 22-year-old is not allowing himself to ease off until his team in Ireland camp is over. The moment he does stop, he remarks, will be the time to properly reflect on his rapid rise.
“You take in the experience a small bit as it drives you even more and gets you excited for the next challenge,” he comments. “Playing at home with all that support behind us was an amazing experience.”
Dillane arrived at Connacht Rugby via Paris and Tralee, where he spent his formative years.
He admits he has not had a chance to get back to Kerry since he was elevated to the senior squad:
“I don’t drive yet so I actually don’t get home that often but my mam and my brother keep me posted on what everyone’s mood is like back home.
“They’re happy down there and I’m looking forward to getting back and seeing my family.”
There has been talk of Dillane being tempted back to Munster in the coming years but he is purely focused on Connacht’s league and Challenge Cup campaign.
“The big one [for improvement] I’ve learned is more repeated involvements. Make yourself available more often.
“Going back to Connacht, I’ve to play with more confidence. Definitely, this season, I’ve been a bit quiet at times but this should help me and hopefully I’ll deliver a few better performances in there.”
One more Test outing for the Connacht contingent this week before they return to Galway and Pat Lam gets them focused on challenging for titles on dual fronts.
