We take a look at some of the biggest and brightest prospects coming out of the Leinster School’s Senior Cup this year.
The Leinster School’s Senior Cup is the breeding ground for future stars of Leinster rugby. The biggest and most prestigious of Ireland’s provincial school’s competitions, the cup has produced nearly every single big name star to come through the Leinster academy. So where better to start in our profiles of the ones to watch from this year’s competition, than with the Man of the Match from this year’s cracking final, Gary Ringrose.
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Ringrose was top points scorer for the champions this year, showing a fantastic array of goal- kicking skills, with a phenomenal success rate, slotting 19 of 21 kicks over the four games. His breakaway try in the final also gave ‘Rock the lead in the first half and stunned the voracious Michael’s crowd into silence, while his nerveless kicking kept his side in touch with their rivals before a late try for ‘Rock won the day.
Coming into the competition, Ringrose was one of the lesser-known names, not among the several ‘Rock stars who have gained representative honours with Leinster’s underage sides. However, as the cup progressed, it became clear that Ringrose’s performances were helping to power his side towards their 67th Senior Cup. His prowess with the ball in hand was clear from the start, with numerous examples of his eye for a gap and blistering pace. Allied to an ability to put in big defensive hits, as well as his coolness under pressure off the kicking tee this makes Ringrose a serious prospect in the years to come.
Several of ‘Rock’s cup winning side are expected to be invited to join the Leinster academy and sub-academy next year and Leinster’s talent scouts will be well aware of Ringrose’s talents and will have been impressed at his ability to slot pressure kicks in tight games, as ‘Rock came from behind to win epic semi-final and final clashes. The transition from School’s Cup star to the Academy can be tough, but if his zen-like kicking is anything to go by, Ringrose has the mental strength to make it and be the next off the conveyor belt of Blackrock backs to play for Leinster.
