LEO: HE IS CIARAN A PATH TO TOP
Cullen backs Frawley to continue hurdling any obstacles on his way to an Ireland cap
LEO CULLEN believes Ciaran Frawley is moving closer to recognition at Test level.
Frawley, 23, has adapted very well to life as a centre having been used there over the past 14 months.
But he has lost none of his kicking ability, as he showed in firing over a tough conversion for Leinster in their big victory over Scarlets on Saturday as Johnny Sexton managed a hip flexor issue.
The Skerries man returned to the fray after a HIA that was required in the wake of a nasty but accidental head collision with Gareth Davies in the RDS clash that saw the Blues chalk up a fourth URC victory in a row.
With one round of URC fixtures to go this week – Leinster are in Glasgow on Friday night – Andy Farrell is also due to name his Ireland squad in the coming days for the November internationals.
And an adaptable figure like Frawley, who can operate at a high level at out-half or centre, could be a useful asset.
Cullen said: “Ciaran is improving all the time. He is building up his experience. Hopefully he is not a million miles away from it (the squad).”
The Leinster boss believes he can add something different for Farrell.
“Ciaran was a little bit unlucky with a few of the injuries he had last year, which probably held him back,” said Cullen (inset).
“He had surgery at the end of the season and he has worked hard over the course of the off-season and pre-season.
“It’s good to see guys progressing and he’s in that bracket of younger guys. You
want to see them kick on now and hopefully get an opportunity up the ranks.”
While confirming that James Ryan will have to go through the return to play protocols after going off for a HIA in the 68th minute, former pack leader Cullen got a laugh at the fact that the Leinster forwards broke their own record from 2013 in scoring seven tries in the demolition of the Scarlets.
Later, he emphasised the importance of ‘A’ and AIL games to keep his squad ticking over, especially with the URC set to switch off in November during the Test window.
“Hopefully there is a good chunk of guys in the national squad, so they will be gone anyway,” he said. “Then it’s just an opportunity for certain guys to refresh, recharge, like a mini pre-season as such as well because it is a long season.
“Guys will get opportunities at different stages.
“It’s slightly different to what we have had in the past, but it is what it is. There will be other positives in there.
“We have an ‘A’ game scheduled, so that’s one game that’s there. Some fringe guys will get some minutes there.
“The AIL is going to be important. A couple of guys went back and played this week. It’s really, really important.
“I’ve really enjoyed watching it, I have to say. Watching some of those games when I get them sent through to me, it’s really positive.
“Seeing some of our lads playing but the crowds at the games and all the rest as well. The standard has been good, I’ve been pretty impressed.”