Tadhg Furlong captains Ireland for the first time today.
His former school deputy principal at Good Counsel College in New Ross in Co. Wexford, Aidan O'Brien says that it was inevitable that he would captain Ireland one day.
O'Brien reveals that Ireland's prop was a very good pupil in school, who worked hard, gone about his business quietly and was a great character.
Tadhg was the acorn that has become the oak tree in the sense that he was always well grounded, steady fella, made friends easily and dependable.
Great Skillset
Aidan believes that anyone who had been following Tadhg's path since he left school, would think that it was inevitable that he would lead his country one day. He believes that the skillset Tadhg has showed in school and since will make him an excellent captain.
I think that would allow him to be an excellent captain, in terms of his communication skills, just his personality really, very winning personality and he backs it up with the way he delivers on the field of play.
Congrats to @tadhgfurlong on his selection as Ireland Captain in the upcoming @IrishRugby International versus @fijirugby #superblue pic.twitter.com/Znjsg48rhw
— Good Counsel College (@GCC_NewRoss) November 9, 2022
Incredible Achievement
Tadhg's former deputy principal believes that it is an incredible achievement considering where he grew up. The prop began life in rural Wexford, in an area that is a GAA stronghold. The school's main focus would be the GAA and only had a few rugby teams.
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Tadhg also played hurling and gaelic football for the local club, Horeswood. However, despite the strong GAA connections, Tadhg focused on rugby and made his debut for Ireland in 2015. He was part of the first Ireland team to beat the All Blacks in Chicago. Not forgetting his roots, the 29-year-old donated the jersey he wore that historic day to the school.
Great Communicative Skills
The former Good Counsel College pupil showed his great communication skills and his sense of humour in his first ever presser as Irish captain.
After stating that he never dreamed of captaining as a child, he was asked what he dreamt of instead, he replied:
Spuds, gravy, the mother's roast
💭 "I never even dreamed of captaining Ireland. It's class, and I know from people back home they'll be very proud."
This is your Ireland captain speaking ⬇️#TeamOfUs | #IREvFIJI— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 9, 2022
The test match will be Tadhg's first-time captaining Ireland since U18 level. If he showcases his full skillset, the post-game reports will match the ones he got in school.
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