“A couple of years ago I’d never imagined I’d play for Connacht or play professional rugby let alone being called up for my country with the Irish guys.”
That was the “chuffed” response of Niyi Adeolokun, last month, after he was called into an overnight training camp with the Irish squad.
Born in Nigeria, 26 years ago, the Connacht winger arrived in Ireland in 2001 and impressed at De La Salle [in school] and with Dublin City University before he was given a chance to be a professional by Pat Lam.
Adeolokun is only a few months into his third season in pro rugby but is in line for his Ireland debut against Canada. Joe Schmidt named him as one of six extra recruits for the Canadian challenge but he will have to battle with the likes of Keith Earl and Craig Gilroy to get into Ireland’s starting XV.
There is no doubt about Adeolokun’s attacking talents. He has taken his try-scoring form from last season’s successful Guinness PRO12 campaign and transferred it to the Champions Cup.
Lam tipped him for Ireland honours midway through last season and the Kiwi has gotten little wrong in the past 18 months.
There is also no doubt about the winger’s physical prowess. He possesses the nimble legs needed to motor up the touchlines while maintaining an upper body that can take all the hefty hits wingers can expect.
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Modern rugby stars need to be well stacked to survive for any length of time.
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However, we doubt there is a better put together individual in current Ireland squad at present.
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