Furlong is miles ahead for champs

TADHG FURLONG “defies logic” with his all-court brand of power play and finesse, according to Garry Ringrose.

Midfielder Ringrose insisted Furlong could no longer escape his Mayor of Wexford nickname after his masterful inside-centre impression in Ireland’s Grand Slam triumph at Twickenham.

Leinster prop Furlong conjured one of Saturday’s key moments as Ireland overwhelmed England 24-15 to claim just their third-ever NatWest 6 Nations Grand Slam.

The British and Irish Lions star created the extra man in midfield to send Bundee Aki crashing through England’s defensive line, before CJ Stander claimed Ireland’s second try.

And Ringrose admitted Furlong’s role in Ireland’s third-ever Grand Slam means he will have to learn to love the nickname he has never yet warmed to.

“Oh he’s just the humble farmer from Wexford, but he’s going to have to take that nickname a bit more now, definitely!” said Ringrose, of Furlong’s moniker.

“We’d run that move a couple of times in training, and Tadhg defies logic for a tighthead with how mobile he is and the deft skills he has.

“I was chasing on the outside of Bundee (Aki), who did exceptionally well to find CJ (Stander) on his inside, and he too was able to produce a very intelligent finish against the post.”