Wicklow duo on international duty

IT was another proud day in the history of Wicklow RFC as Paddy McKenzie and Mark Nicholson represented the club at international level.

McKenzie featured for Ireland U-19’s school squad, while Nicholson togged out for the U-18 club and school squad.

Out-half McKenzie started at number 10 against France and was taken off early in the second half as Ireland succumbed to a 20-36 loss to Les Blues.

Nicholson enjoyed similar game time as hooker against Canada, which saw Ireland pick up a 56-17 success.

The young men were back into camp yesterday (Tuesday). Nicholson will play another match today in Donnybrook before heading to the UK for a tournament over the Easter.

Next up for McKenzie is a tournament in Cardiff that will see him lock horns with the finest that Italy, Scotland and Wales have to offer.

Both players are incredibly loyal servants to Wicklow RFC with Nicholson starting off at the tender age of four and club president Bert Nicholson takes great pride in their progress.

“It’s a huge achievement for the club. The club is very proud of that the two lads have done. They’ve done really well and they’re a credit to the coaches that have given their time and expertise to get them to this level and hopefully they’ll push on and succeed.

“It’s a huge honour. Unfortunately on Saturday, their fixtures clashed with our own so that was kind of a timing issue so a lot of people couldn’t go up to see them which was unfortunate. Hopefully there will be more of a crowd present on Wednesday from the club.

“They’re a prime example and great ambassadors for the club. They’re great examples to our many youths and minis that are coming up from the underage groups. It’s great to see young lads from looking up to these young men and hoping that one day they’ll be able to pull on that green jersey too.”