Three rookies primed for a huge summer tour with Ireland
Three exciting rookies are set to make their mark as Ireland gears up for a massive summer tour filled with promise and opportunity.
All eyes will be on the fresh faces as they look to impress and stake a claim for a long-term place in the Irish squad this summer.
Here are the three rising stars who could shape Ireland's future, adding new depth and energy to the squad:
Paddy McCarthy Paddy McCarthy. Pic: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile
Younger brother of Leinster, Ireland and soon-to-be Lions lock Joe McCarthy, the powerful loosehead prop has the same physical profile and mean edge to thrive at the top level.
Along with Sam Prendergast, Brian Gleeson and Gus McCarthy, he was a standout performer on an Ireland U20 side which reached a Junior World Cup final in 2023.
The 21-year-old has suffered his fair share of injury setbacks of late, which has hindered him to just six senior appearances for Leinster thus far.
McCarthy remains a raw prospect and he has endured a few tough outings at scrum time on the AIL beat with Trinity.
But the Leinster frontrower is highly-rated and it's clear the Irish management see him as a player who could move through the ranks quickly in the coming years.
Ben Murphy Ben Murphy. Pic: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile
Connacht had a tough season but Ben Murphy had a consistently excellent campaign in a struggling team.
Murphy came through the ranks with his home province Leinster but decided to seek pastures new with Connacht at the beginning of this season. Seeing the likes of Jamison Gibson-Park, Luke McGrath and rookie Fintan Gunne ahead of him in the pecking order, he set forth for Galway with the hope of getting more top-level exposure.
And despite the presence of Caolin Blade and Matthew Devine, Murphy quickly become a first-choice option out West. The 24-year-old played 17 games for this adopted province this term.
A lively player with an eye for a break, Murphy will be one to watch on tour.
Hugh Gavin Hugh Gavin. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Bundee Aki 2.0. The promising 21-year-old midfielder is cut from the same mould as the Ireland stalwart and Clan Terrace favourite. Gavin offers the same gainline-breaking power as Aki.
Gavin was ever-present for the Ireland U20s during their prolific 2023 and 2024 campaigns. He operated on the wing and centre during his time with Richie Murphy's side, demonstrating his versatility.
A native of Galway, Gavin is stepped in the history of the province and is one of the club's biggest prospects. He has already been part of Emerging Ireland tours and been around senior training camps. Now, he is set for the next step.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Big weekend' – Peter O'Mahony embarking on hectic gardening project as he aims to add ‘300 plants'
PETER O'Mahony is embarking upon a "big weekend" of gardening - even by his standards. The rugby legend detailed to his Instagram followers how he intends on adding "the bones of 300 plants" to 4 He's got a different sort of battle on his hands this weekend Credit: @peteomahony 4 The 35-year-old wants to add more 'spring and summer colours' Credit: @peteomahony 4 The back-row veteran was dressed in appropriate garb Credit: @peteomahony 4 The vast garden is his pride and joy Credit: @peteomahony He remarked how even though he was very early into the process, he noticed "the bees are loving it already" before assuring followers he'd be keeping them abreast over the next 48 hours. Unfortunately, his weekend is wide open on account of his career with Munster being brought to a painful end last weekend in Durban. In spite of an almighty effort across 100 minutes, After drawing 24-24, neither side could find a winning score in extra-time. Read More On Irish Sport The game boiled down to kicks from the 15- and 10-metre lines, where Rory Scannell missed his effort. The Sharks kicked all six of their attempts. It was also Afterwards captain "They bleed Munster. It's gutting to end it like this.' Most read in Rugby Union Munster took the lead after nine minutes when The game burst into life after the break and Sharks' Ethan Hooker cut in from the right, weaving around the Munster defence to score, with Hendrikse converting and then adding a penalty. 'Jack Crowley he's coming for you' jokes Peter O'Mahony's wife Jess as son practices his rugby skills Fineen Wycherley squeezed through a gap to cross, with Crowley's kick successful. The Reds extended their lead when Sharks were unable to defend Mike Haley's kick, allowing Diarmuid Kilgallen to pounce. But Sharks pulled a try back when Aphelele Fassi crossed, with Hendrikse converting. Fez Mbatha then struck, as Hendrikse again added the extras. Murray's monster penalty levelled matters at 24-24 to send the game to extra time. Beirne added: 'I'm massively proud of the boys. We fought to the bitter end.' Saturday will see Sharks travel to Pretoria to face Bulls in an all-South African affair.
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Leinster are without FOUR Lions stars for crucial URC play-off semi-final against Glasgow Warriors
LIONS duo Josh van der Flier and Hugo Keenan are absent for Leinster for tomorrow's URC semi-final with Glasgow. But boss Leo Cullen insisted that both are okay for the Lions, and could resume training next week IF Leinster can secure a final date at Croke Park. Van der Flier limped out of And that meant Cullen said: 'Josh went off at the weekend so he's not back for this weekend. It's tight. It's coming a little bit too soon. 'It's coming a little bit too soon for Garry obviously, Hugo has picked up a niggle as well, so he's out.' Read more on Irish sport But Tommy O'Brien returns to the side after missing out last week through injury while flanker Scott Penney gets his shot in the back row in place of van der Flier. Leinster: J O'Brien, T O'Brien, J Osborne, J Barrett, J Lowe, S Prendergast, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, D Sheenan, T Clarkson, J McCarthy, J Ryan, R Baird, S Penny, J Conan. Replacements: R Kelleher, J Boyle, R Slimani, RG Snyman, M Deegan, L McGrath, R Byrne, C Frawley. 'Big weekend' - Peter O'Mahony embarking on hectic gardening project as he aims to add '300 plants' 1 Leo Cullen hoping to avoid a fourth straight URC semi-final exit
Irish Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
What time and TV channel is Ireland v Senegal on today in their friendly?
Ireland are back in action this evening as they take on 2021 African Cup of Nations winners Senegal in an international friendly. The feeling around this Irish team has started to shift positively under Heimir Hallgrímsson and he'll be hoping to gain some further momentum ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign. Ireland have been handed a tricky group alongside Portugal, Hungary, and Armenia and Senegal will prove as a stiff test this evening. Ranked 19th in the world, they will be without former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane but will have the likes of Nicolas Jackson and Idrissa Gueye involved. Here is everything you need to know about the game. The game takes place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The game kicks off at 7.45 pm. RTE Two will have live coverage of the game and it can be streamed on the RTE Player. We will also have live updates here on the Irish Mirror. Ireland 9/4 Draw 2/1 Senegal 6/5
