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8th January 2015
11:48am GMT
Marmion spent his early years in London - his father, Mick, played centre for Saracens - before moving to Wales at the age of seven. He played with the Irish age grades and came to Connacht's attention after he was recommended to the club by team-mate Jack Carty. He travelled to Galway for a summer trial and was promptly offered a development deal.
2013/14 saw him take greater responsibility dictating attacks and making snipes. He has to added that again, and a greater physicality, this season. He credits Nigel Carolan (Connacht Academy director and now Ireland U20 coach) for his early development before listing off every member of the province's backroom staff to share in credit for his rise. Due to turn 23 in February, the scrum-half has already amassed 68 Connacht caps and three senior appearances with Ireland.
Joe Schmidt will name his extended Six Nations and Wolfhounds squad in late January and Marmion's name will certainly feature. He was up at Carton House for a two-day (one night) camp in December and has impressed the national coaches. 'It is a huge year,' he says, 'but I am trying to focus on each game and take it week to week.
'Eoin (Reddan) and Conor (Murray) have been a great help to me. They have given me information and feedback on plays and are always there if I have any questions. The coaches are readily available too if you have any questions or are unsure about something. They are really hot on senior players knowing their role. They don't accept any excuses if you don't have your role and responsibilities down.
'I'm learning all the time and being with the Ireland squad for the past year has already taken my game on so much. The next few months are exciting but my focus, for now, is helping Connacht climb the league table.'
