Ireland head coach Andy Farrell is delighted to have Leinster flyer Jordan Larmour fit again and back in the squad ahead of the Six Nations.
Larmour last played for Ireland in July 2021 and has since dealt with a series of frustrating injuries that saw him ruled out of last year’s Six Nations. Despite travelling to New Zealand, the speedster only featured against the Maori All Blacks.
Another injury had the Leinsterman sidelined for the Autumn Nations Series, but he has since recovered and is looking to play a role in Ireland’s Six Nations campaign.
Positive character
Farrell praised Larmour’s character and is pleased to have such a positive influence back in his squad.
“It’s great to see him back, isn’t it?” Farrell told The 42.
“He’s certainly a character we’ve missed around the place. If you could have 36 players of one type of personality, you’d probably want 36 Jordans. He’s such a great guy to work with. He’s so positive, so aware of himself, such a good teammate etc.
“It’s great to see him back fully fit, and playing some pretty bloody rugby. I think of the break he made (for Leinster against Racing) from the halfway line when Ross (Byrne) threw him the ball. It takes something special of an athlete to do what Jordan did.”
Stiff competition
Whilst Larmour has been sidelined, speedsters James Lowe and Mack Hansen have performed well at wing for Ireland. Farrell says the 25-year-old is aware of the competition and is looking forward to the challenge.
“I know what type of talent he is and what he’s got in the locker but having said that he knows that what’s happened over the last couple of year as well,” Farrell continued.
“He knows that the competition has grown in that department with Mack playing so well and James Lowe playing so well in that position.
“Then you’re hoping that Jacob Stockdale starts to fight and want to get to back to where he was. So it’s all good.”
Young star
Jamie Osborne is the only uncapped player in the Ireland squad, and Farrell sees huge value in the star’s versatility.
“You look at him and what I was talking about in terms of playing different positions. He’s played really well on the wing, he’s played in both centre positions and he’s grown up as a full-back,” Farrell said.
“So he’s very comfortable and you see him there with the left peg and dropping into full-back with Leinster, he’s very comfortable there.
“It’s good for him because he’s been in our squad quite a few times now so he’s not coming in as that nervous kid. He’s been able to be himself and what’s been pretty impressive with that experience that he has had is that he’s made the best use of that when he’s been given the opportunity, with Robbie (Henshaw) being injured. He’s grabbed his chance, hasn’t he?”
Farrell insists he trusts Osborne despite his lack of Test experience and will be monitoring how the 21-year-old copes in training.
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“I wouldn’t be picking someone that I couldn’t trust, if and when needed but having said that we’ll see how people handle the pressure within camp because sometimes that’s just as fierce as it is on a matchday,” he said.
Ireland begin their Six Nations campaign with a trip to Cardiff to face Wales this weekend.