The Rising Stars

bilston

Right so with the WC dominating proceedings during September and October the Pro 12 will run a tad under the radar. However it will still be vital viewing as we will see some future stars getting a run for the provinces as they fill in for the regulars while the WC is on.

I was thinking, one player from each province who could use the first part of the coming season as launchpad for a breakthrough season, not just for their province but maybe even for Ireland. I'm not talking about players who will necessarily be starting come the 2016 6Ns but players who could make the wider squad who aren't there at the minute.

Here are my four.

Connacht - Tiernan O'Halloran - it's about time this guy showed his potential, from the couple of games I saw of Connacht towards the end of last season I was really impressed by him. Connacht fans will have their own views but could next season be his year for really breaking through.

Leinster - Luke McGrath - easy one for me, I saw a few cameos from him last season and he was fairly impressive, his pass seemed to have improved. A run of potentially 6 starts next season could do him the world of good and maybe he will kick on. We need serious back up to Murray and hopefully McGrath will fulfil his potential.

Munster - Jack O'Donoghue - this guy looks a star to me. I've been really impressed by him. His carrying is a real standout. Will he start at No.8 though with Stander there. Mind you I could equally include Stander to the list who I think will be eligible for the 6Ns?

Ulster - Stewart McCloskey - this kid is a talent. He is big but has great footballing skills, he even has good footwork as we saw towards the end against Munster in May. He always makes yards. He seems the perfect fit for the modern centre. A big start to the season and he could be in the mix come the new year.

Anyone else? Or anyone I shouldn't have included? I'm talking about players who realistically could make the Six Nations squad. There are obviously guys like Byrne, Ringrose and Arnold who could impress but I think they have a bit of a longer road to travel to be considered by Schmidt.

Tox56

On the face of it I wouldn't expect Ross Byrne to be troubling Schmidt any time soon, but Leinster won't have Madigan or sexton during the World Cup, so he he could end up having a bit of a breakthrough season

Hagz

Connacht - Jake Heenan. I think I'm correct in saying Jake Heenan becomes Irish qualified next season. Obviously the back-row is an area where Ireland are already spoilt for choice but I think Heenan has high ambitions to play internationally and the work ethic to achieve it. I think he's the kind of player who'd fare well in a Joe Schmidt training squad.

Munster - CJ Stander. Another player who'll become qualified. He had a very impressive season and hopefully he can back it up. Personally I don't think he will find his way into the Irish squad during the 6nations, but next season is a great opportunity for him.

Ulster - Stuart McCloskey would be my pick as well.

Leinster - Tadhg Furlong. Furlong had a massive season and it seems inevitable that he'll get his first cap in green next season. The world cup will provide him with ample opportunity to hold down a place in the Leinster 23.

bilston

Hagz wrote: »

Connacht - Jake Heenan. I think I'm correct in saying Jake Heenan becomes Irish qualified next season. Obviously the back-row is an area where Ireland are already spoilt for choice but I think Heenan has high ambitions to play internationally and the work ethic to achieve it. I think he's the kind of player who'd fare well in a Joe Schmidt training squad.

Munster - CJ Stander. Another player who'll become qualified. He had a very impressive season and hopefully he can back it up. Personally I don't think he will find his way into the Irish squad during the 6nations, but next season is a great opportunity for him.

Ulster - Stuart McCloskey would be my pick as well.

Leinster - Tadhg Furlong. Furlong had a massive season and it seems inevitable that he'll get his first cap in green next season. The world cup will provide him with ample opportunity to hold down a place in the Leinster 23.

I forgot about Furlong. I'd take him over McGrath as well. Although he might actually make the WC squad (think he is in the 41?)

CatFromHue

For Leinster I'd say Noel Reid as his opposition for the 12 jersey for the whole season is O'Shea and Madigan. A good run in September and October and he could get the nod at 12 for the whole season.

Actually whoever does better between him and O'Shea will be in the driving seat at 12 for Leinster.

stephen_n

When's Olding back, could we see McCloskey and Olding together in the centre for Ulster during the RWC?

thebaz

McGrath would be a long way from being a star - too much hype and an inconsistent pass - until he has a reliable pass , will never be able to utilise his undoubted footballing talent

Utah_Saint

stephen_n wrote: »

When's Olding back, could we see McCloskey and Olding together in the centre for Ulster during the RWC?

Now that would be a partnership I'd pay to see! Olding is one of the most talented backs I've seen in a long time. Hopefully his career isn't ruined by injury.

Big Stu has good hands as he played Scrum half at school, then he mutated to his current size

bilston

Utah_Saint wrote: »

Hopefully his career is ruined by injury.

Worst typo ever

bilston

stephen_n wrote: »

When's Olding back, could we see McCloskey and Olding together in the centre for Ulster during the RWC?

Olding isn't back until January

Utah_Saint

bilston wrote: »

Worst typo ever

sorry guys, using my mobile and it autocorrected that. :-(

bilston

Utah_Saint wrote: »

sorry guys, using my mobile and it autocorrected that. 😡

Stu hater:D

stephen_n

bilston wrote: »

Olding isn't back until January

Pity, I'm dying to see him get a run at 13, think him and McCloskey could be an amazing partnership.