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Rugby

09th Jan 2018

Johnny Sexton hoping Jordan Larmour makes Ireland Six Nations squad

Jack O'Toole

Following his two try performance against a hapless Ulster side last weekend, there has been a lot of clamour for Leinster full-back Jordan Larmour to be included in Ireland’s Six Nations squad next month.

Larmour has been outstanding for Leinster over the last three weeks and there is growing calls for his inclusion in Joe Schmidt’s Ireland squad having previously trained with the national side in the past.

The prodigious 20-year-old has been on Schmidt’s radar for the last number of years and Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton has said that he’s been very impressed by what he’s seen so far from the electric utility back.

“He’s been outstanding for us so far in every game he’s played,” said Sexton after Leinster training on Tuesday.

“I’d seen him a little in the [U20] Six Nations last year playing for Ireland, and I thought he was outstanding, but you kind of take that as it is.

“It wasn’t until this year when I saw him in a Leinster jersey this summer against Gloucester, on Templeville Road, and he stood out a mile that day, and he has stood out since.

“It’s not up to me whether he plays or whether he doesn’t play, I just think he’s been impressive so far.”

Sexton added that the first person to mention Larmour’s name to him was Schmidt himself, and while he acknowledges that there are a lot of talented players in his position, he did note that he hopes that the former St. Andrew’s student will be among those included when the national squad is named later this month.

“I think the first person who mentioned Jordan Larmour to me was Joe,” added Sexton.

“I’m sure he’s a big fan of him, but again, there’s lots of other guys in his position that are very good as well.

“It will be up to Joe, but I hope that he does get in because he’s been outstanding for us.”

Leinster senior coach Stuart Lancaster, who previously coached England between 2011 and 2015, said that is hard to determine whether Larmour is ready to make the jump up to international rugby but that he feels that he has all the attributes to play at international level.

“You can never really tell until you get them into camp,” said Lancaster.

“I think part of the reason Joe has had him in camp is to see what he’s like but he has certainly got all the attributes and he’s definitely moving in the right direction.”

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