Flair Jordan is fitting right in
Larmour at ease in Irish set-up
JORDAN LARMOUR has played just 19 games in his professional career, and already he is a Six Nations, Triple Crown and Grand Slam winner.
He won just his third international cap against England in Twickenham, and after being introduced for the injured Bundee Aki on 56 minutes, he immediately made his presence felt, getting to within a metre of the try-line on his first carry.
The 20-year-old is clearly not fazed by the big occasion and, in a marvellous season for Irish rugby so far, Larmour has been one of the stand-out stories.
His Leinster debut came against Dragons in September, and after a few dazzling cameos and sensational individual tries against Ulster and Munster, Larmour found himself fast-tracked into Joe Schmidt’s plans.
A difficult international debut came his way in a chaotic second half against Italy, before further opportunities to impress against Scotland and England.
And despite the pressure that comes with playing at Test level, Larmour hasn’t tried to alter the approach that has served him so well at Leinster.
‘I just have a go like. If there’s an opportunity there, I’ll try take it with both hands,’ he said.
‘I suppose the more you play, the more confidence you get. There’s a structure there [with Ireland] and there’s a gameplan in place, but if there’s an opportunity to do something a bit different, take the opportunity.’
In Twickenham, Larmour was thrown into the heat of the action at centre, a position he played regularly at schools level before spending most of his time either at full-back or on the wing.
‘I hadn’t really trained at all at centre during the week, but when I came on, having Garry Ringrose, [Johnny] Sexton, Earlsy [Keith Earls] and [Jacob] Stockdale (around me), Kearns [Rob Kearney] at the back, everyone is just real calm and there’s clarity throughout the group,’ he continued.
‘The lads around were talking to me and letting me know what my role was. The whole thing kind of felt comfortable. When I came on, it wasn’t too hectic or anything. I was just trying to fit in with the group, not do anything too crazy and just do the basics well and hopefully not make too many mistakes, try learn from them and kick on.’
Ireland head coach Schmidt has long been a fan, having first seen Larmour at schools level in Donnybrook Stadium.
‘A New Zealand team were over so they arranged a game against a Blackrock College XV, so me and a couple of my mates from Andrew’s were asked to play,’ Larmour continues.
‘Joe Schmidt was at the game and after I went up to him and got a picture with him and was chatting to him for a bit, [I was] still a fan like.
‘Knowing he was in the crowd made me try to play a bit better. It was a cool feeling and I still have that picture at home.’
And despite being on Schmidt’s radar from a young age, Larmour admits he’s exceeded his wildest expectations this season.
‘At the start of the year, I just wanted to start a few Leinster A games, then hopefully get a few Pro14 games under my belt. Fast forward a few months and I was a part of the Grand Slam winning team, so it’s been a crazy season so far.
‘Hopefully we can kick on from here and take a bit of momentum from the Six Nations and bring it into Leinster because we have a busy few weeks coming up with [games against] Ospreys and Saracens.’