Jack Crowley's burgeoning career has been on a non-stop upward curve since is starring role in last year's Emerging Ireland tour.
He has powered through the depth charts at both Munster and Ireland, and is in pole position to start in Ireland's Six Nations clash with France in February.
However, back in 2022, being part of Ireland's World Cup squad was something that was, in Crowley's own words, "crazy" and "a complete long-reach."
Ronan O'Gara Was Gutted Not To Land A Young Jack Crowley
Someone who was particularly confident in is potential, was La Rochelle head coach Ronan O'Gara, who detailed in is column for the Irish Examiner, way back in January 2021, how he tried to lure Crowley to France.
He has already turned heads with his displays from the boot and with ball in hand for the Ireland U20s. Crowley may be fourth in line at the moment, but things move quickly when you least expect them.
Patience is a virtue in these situations and Jack is happy to bide his time and make his mark with Munster. I know all this because he has turned down the chance to sign for La Rochelle, with whom I am familiar.
Am I disappointed? Bloody right I am. This boy is a talent.
READ HERE: Jack Crowley Reveals How James Lowe Helped Him To Avoid Critical South Africa Error
14 October 2023; Jack Crowley, left, and Jonathan Sexton of Ireland after their side's defeat in during the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final match between Ireland and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Over the course of 2021-22, the decision from Crowley seemed more and more erroneous, particularly with La Rochelle's rise as a European powerhouse.
In the end, Crowley was proved correct, and in an exclusive with Peter O'Reilly and The Times, he explains why couldn't, in good conscience, leave his beloved Munster.
"No, I’d spent enough time on that decision in the first place," he explained.
There was a gut feeling that I couldn’t leave Munster without giving it a proper crack.
This was where I’d dreamed of playing as a young fella and to be true to myself, I had to give this my all. It was just about finding a way.
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