Young Munster may have a new superstar on their hands.
Before the era of professionalism, Irish rugby players had to make their way up the hard way. That meant tough days at the bottom of rucks on muddy pitches and slogging it out in the AIL, where sides such as Young Munster, Shannon and Garryowen, as well as Buccaneers and Cork Con, ruled the roost.
Well it’s all change now as talented players move from club to provincial rugby at a very young age, and rarely if ever get to line out with their local clubs.
However, some do still get a chance locally, and there could be a player set to make Joe Schmidt sit up and take notice after a blistering performance for Young Munster on Sunday, in the final day of the season proper.
The Limerick side beat Lansdowne 15-5 to secure their place in the Division 1A play-offs.
They led by 7-0 at half time but this moment of brilliance from Diarmaid McCarthy was the highlight of the win, as he took the ball from near halfway and motors through the defence to score a crucial try.
The winger is rated as one of the best schools players in recent memory and recently lined out for the provincial A side.
Young Munster and Lansdowne will clash again as the result means both sides face each other in the semi’s, while Terenure College and Clontarf meet in the other play-off.
H/T to Cian Tracey
