LIONS’ CALL-UP FOR LOCAL RUGBY STAR
AFTER weeks of speculation and hoping, people across the New Ross district were overjoyed on Wednesday to learn that Campile man Tadhg Furlong was named part of the British and Irish Lions squad to face New Zealand teams this summer.
Tadhg, 24, has rapidly reached the pinnacle of the sport and had his talents and efforts recognised by Warren Gatland.
Speaking about his Lions selection, Tadhg said; ‘If I get a game I will try to represent my people in New Ross as best as I can. County Wexford is a very proud rugby county with four great clubs and I am very proud to have been selected. I’m really looking forward to the tour.’ It’s been a meteoric rise for Tadhg who had his first Euro start in January, 2016, and his first competitive international start in February, 2017. Come June, on the Lions Tour, the Leinster star will be in the mix to play in ten matches - three tests against the All Blacks, five games against New Zealand Super Rugby sides and two fixtures against the New Zealand Barbarians and the New Zealand Maoris. The first game takes place against the New Zealand Barbarians on June 3, with the first test scheduled for June 24.
The opportunity to face the All Blacks in New Zealand rarely comes around, so the 11 Irish players chosen will be chomping at the bit to triumph against the world champions. The son of James and Margaret Furlong, Tadhg got his first taste of rugby at New Ross RFC before going on to play at underage level with Leinster and Ireland. He broke into the Irish team and is one of the first names on the team sheet for both club and country today.
In a statement, New Ross RFC President Michael Bailey said: ‘New Ross Rugby Football Club is immensely proud of Tadhg Furlong who has gained selection for the British and Irish Lions team for their upcoming tour of New Zealand.
‘ Tadhg burst on to the world rugby scene in the past twelve months playing for the Ireland senior team. During this time he has been a member of the team that has beaten the major teams in world rugby, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, France and England.
‘ That Tadhg has reached this status in world rugby is testament, not only to his natural talent and ability, but also to the years of dedication, training and single-minded focus to excel at his chosen sport.
‘ The endless hours of work both on and off the field with New Ross RFC youths’ system, Leinster Academy, Leinster Senior system and the Ireland National Squad have culminated in this fantastic honour for Tadhg, his family and New Ross Rugby Rugby Football Club.’
Similar sentiments were forthcoming from one of his earliest coaches, John Keenan, who said: ‘ Tadhg joins a distinguished list of Irish props who have represented the Lions, most notably the brilliant tightheads Sean Lynch in the seventies and more recently Paul Wallace in the nineties.
‘ Tadhg deserves his selection on form, ability and potential. He will do a solid job. The Campile bomb is about to explode in New Zealand.’
Mr Keenan described now
“The Campile bomb is about to explode in New Zealand”
Lynch was a ‘ bolter’ in 1971 and played four tests against New Zealand, having had only one international season behind him.
‘Wallace had little experience prior to his selection in 1997, but played three tests against South Africa. As a result he was considered to be the world’s best tighthead at that time.
‘ Tadhg already has banked experience against the world’s best teams and noone need fear for him. He was born and bred to do this!’
Mr Keenan said despite Tadhg’s fantastic rise in world rugby he is still very generous with his time for events, awards and gatherings at New Ross.
‘Everyone in the club is now looking forward to his debut in the iconic no 3 red jersey,’ he added.