IRELAND continue their Rugby World Cup warm-up with a visit from England to the Aviva Stadium this Saturday (5.15pm).
Uppermost in the selection thoughts of coach Andy Farrell is Calvin Nash, who just a couple of days shy of his 25th birthday made his first international senior bow in the win over Italy at the same venue.
Of Nash’s rise through the ranks, and occasional battle with injury, Munster Pathway manager Gearóid Prendergast told MunsterRugby.ie: “He has a great attitude, he loves the game, loves just to play rugby.”
“I remember speaking to his dad Jason and he was telling me about how much he loved the game from a young age. He’s thriving now, you can really see it in his game – he has a smile on his face and he’s playing regular rugby and I think that’s the biggest thing over the last few years.
“Once he got that clear run from injuries, like last year for example, it’s no surprise that he’s kicked on and got that first cap so absolutely delighted for him.”
He continued: “The club (Young Munster) will be delighted, like any club would be in Munster when their players get their first cap; they’ll be extremely proud. His family will be very proud, his school will be very proud; Crescent Comp. I know his family as well, they’re a great family and his brother Brandon plays too.
“I know that Jason is a proud dad, I can remember meeting him at schools games all those years ago when Calvin was playing so I’m sure it was a very proud moment for them on Saturday seeing Calvin run out in a green jersey.”
Meanwhile, Munster can move a step closer towards a successful defence of their Women’s Interprovincial Championship with victory over Connacht at Musgrave Park on Saturday at 3.15pm.
Niamh Briggs’ team posted a splendid 41-14 way win over Ulster in their opener at the weekend.
Not surprisingly, hat-trick hero Stephaine Carroll was awarded the Vodafone Player of the Match at City of Armagh, while the fixture was notable for fine debuts by Heylmann, Jane Clohessy, Abbie Salter-Townshend and Boylan.
