Who is Will Addison?
The 26-year-old was called up to Joe Schmidt’s 42-man Ireland squad on Wednesday ahead of the upcoming November internationals as one of three uncapped players.
Addison joins Munster centre Sam Arnold and Leinster fly-half Ross Byrne as the only uncapped players in the Ireland squad.
Three uncapped players included in the Ireland squad for #GuinnessSeries2018 & @TheRugbyWeekend @WillAddisonB3 @SammyArnold9 @Ross__Byrne #TeamOfUs #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/brEETvAOgq
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 24, 2018
The centre has scored two tries in four games since debuting for Ulster last month and has made a big impression on the Irish coaching staff after moving to Belfast from the Sale Sharks.
Addison joined the Sharks academy as a 16-year-old and played 114 games across 10 years for the Greater Manchester club before leaving Sale during the summer.
Addison qualifies for Ireland through his Fermanagh born mother and he revealed in August that he had a clause in his contract at Sale that he could leave if an Irish team offered him a deal.
“Sale was a club that I loved and was invested in, but the opportunity to join Ulster was one I couldn’t turn down,” he told the Ulster website.
“I had a clause that allowed me to leave if an Irish team came calling and I felt it was the right time for me to make a move. It’s a fresh challenge for me to become a better player and one I’m really looking forward to.”
The former England U20 centre can play across the backline, and his versatility will certainly be appreciated by Schmidt, who also selected Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki and Stuart McCloskey as the other four centres in his squad.
“I think it is a positive for me throughout my career that I have played wing, full-back and centre, although centre is probably my favourite. But I just love being on the pitch and I’ll do my best wherever I’m lucky enough to be selected.”
What are people saying about him?
Barry Murphy: “I think Addison had a great game on Saturday. I thought he was brilliant. He has serious potential. I’d love to see him get a bolt.”
Dwayne Peel [Ulster assistant]: “He’s a constant threat with ball in hand and he’s a silky runner. I played with him when he was a young guy and you could see he had some good qualities then.
“I was really keen to get him here because I knew he could add to our squad. Speaking from personal experience and from what I’ve seen, I think he’s doing an excellent job.
“I don’t know what you guys are seeing in him, but he looks like a classy footballer to me.”
Bryn Cunningham [Ulster Director of Rugby Operations]: “We have been really happy. The recruitment policy has been about guys who will add serious value but also if we can get them as Irish-qualified as well it’s a big bonus.
“You add Will Addison to that list as well. He came from Sale where he was captaining them so he provides a lot of leadership as well. He’ll come under the radar a little bit but he’s a quality player and has obviously been involved in some of the Irish camps.”
