CRAIG GILROY WAS one of the biggest names to be named for Emerging Ireland’s trip to Romania this summer, but he has taken no shortage of positives out of the experience.
Such tours can be are odd affairs, with next to no media coverage and opposition of varying (rarely high) standards. For some, they are no-win prospects, yet they have shown an ability to give developing players a platform from which they can go on to better things.
“If you look at the tour previous, Tbilisi, there was about seven guys who went on to represent Ireland in the Six Nations,” says Gilroy.
“Those tours are crucial. Especially for guys who haven’t played before in a green jersey, they get a feel for it, they get put in that environment and it’s a nice test to see how different players respond.”
He adds: “Against Russia, one minute it’s 30 degree heat and two minutes later it’s thunderstorms and lightning and the match had to be abandoned. We were 66 -0 up at the time, so it wasn’t too bad for us for it had to be abandoned.”
Assessing how players adapt to strange conditions and how they grow accustomed to some unique elements of life in camp are just two of the positives of the Emerging trip Gilroy points to. It also gave him room to run in four tries in Ireland’s three wins. And, against Uruguay, he had his latest outing in a number 15 jersey.
As an out-and-out winger, Gilroy was long ear-marked for the top and when he burst on the international scene in 2012, he did so emphatically. Since then, however, his rivals for a back three spot have regained fitness and form – not least his provincial teammates Andrew Trimble and Tommy Bowe.
Versatile
Last season, former head coach Mark Anscombe made him a semi-regular fixture at fullback as Jared Payne was road-tested for a centre slot. This time around, even with his long-term advocate Les Kiss taking the reins, that wing competition is only likely to increase and so the 23-year-old will again be asked to show his new-found versatility.
Fortunately, Gilroy is nothing if not a diligent student of his game. He has learned fast.
“I was happy with the way the season finished last year. I felt I played well at 15 in the last few games.”
“Every game I’m getting more and more used to it, I’ve enjoyed playing wing, fullback, wherever: I enjoy both positions.”I played wing all my career and it’s second nature to me, fullback is almost feeling like that now as well.”
Gilroy was again on the winning side as the northern province edged past Leinster in Tallaght last weekend. As their Pro12 season kicks off in Llanelli, Gilroy will hope he can keep it that way and, wherever he’s played, keep pushing his curve back upwards.
