Ireland have never won a Five, or Six, Nations three times in a row.
The World Cup is a somewhat bitter memory but Ireland’s head coach has already identified a salve for our latest wounds.
Craig Gilroy missed out on Schmidt’s 31-man squad but is in with a good chance of being in the mix for the 2016 Six Nations. He was told, by Schmidt, to make a compelling case for Test selection with Ulster. Despite the province’s shaky start to the season, the winger is in top form.
Speaking to SportsJOE in his role as Under Armour ambassador, Gilroy reveals just how dedicated Schmidt is to ensuring an Irish treble.
“A few of us met with him soon after the World Cup.
“He came up to Belfast for a catch-up and I got to have a face-to-face with him.
“He let us know where we have been going well and gave us things to work on. He stressed how big a year it is we have coming up.”
Schmidt allowed himself a week off after Ireland’s quarter final exit but was soon back at his desk, and touring the country. A chance for history awaits, as does a summer tour to South Africa and November ties with Australia and New Zealand [possibly twice].
Gilroy made his Test debut in 2012 but has only gained six caps [scoring two tries] since then.
He says, “I’m absolutely aiming to make the [Six Nations] squads. I know I am a better player now than I was when I first started with Ireland. That knowledge is a real confidence booster for me.”
Gilroy’s cause would be helped massively if Ulster, now led by Les Kiss, can shake off their current funk.
The 24-year-old comments, “We had a tough [Champions Cup] loss to Saracens. That was hard to take but you had to take your hat off to them as the better side.
“It was disappointing to follow that up with the narrow loss to Leinster, who held us off well when we got into scoring positions.
“If there is one thing that needs to improve, fast, it is our home form. That starts this weekend with Edinburgh at home. We need to build some momentum before the [December 11] visit of Toulouse.”
All Blacks winger Charles Piutau arrives from Auckland Blues, via Wasps, in June 2016.
Gilroy has been watching his Champions Cup performances and believes he will be ‘a massive addition to our squad’.
Under Armour athlete Craig Gilroy was on Dublin’s Great South Wall training in Under Armour Storm performance product. Storm’s water repellent technology means every athlete can always stay dry in any wet weather situation. More information here.
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