Molony learning from a master in Fardy

WITH the majority of the focus on Ireland, these are the weeks that the province’s fringe players really get a chance to stake their claim for the bigger games ahead.

An away trip to Zebre is hardly one that will set pulses racing but for younger Leinster hopefuls like Ross Molony, it creates an opening for valuable game-time.

This is also a period when NIQ (non-Irish qualified) players come to the fore. Scott Fardy has been a revelation in that sense since joining Leinster as he remains one of the main drivers behind the standards not dropping.

“I have definitely taken a lot from ‘Fards’,” Molony maintains. “He will also have a point of view on things and always speak up as one of the leaders in team meetings. He is such an experienced player. He didn’t come into his best form until late in his career which again is something you can admire and look up to. He’s been around the block so he has a bit of everything there.

“He could bring in a different point of view like line-speed in defence or getting that extra bit out of your maul. There are a whole variety of things he can offer.”

Burst

Molony’s career hasn’t yet ignited in the manner that many had felt it would when he burst on to the scene from St Michael’s College.

Still only 24, however, time is on his side which is why he is looking closely at Fardy, a successful late developer.

“Towards the end of last season, it became frustrating, it can naturally annoy you, getting left out of the 23 at times,” Molony admitted.

“You take it on the chin and look to see what you can do better. It’s in nobody else’s control bar your own. I did a lot of work throughout the summer with Hugh Hogan in terms of the contact side.

“I’ve become quite observant of my stats after games and I’ve done a lot of work with Charlie Higgins, our S&C coach, on that.

“I’ve been quite happy with how this season has gone and the games that I’ve been playing.

“I’ve felt I’ve contributed well so it’s never going to be at a dead end.

“You can’t think like that or else you won’t end up going anywhere. It’s being as optimistic as you can and relishing every opportunity that you get.”