Tadhg Furlong is a proud young man and that pride has got him far. He’s not done yet though.
The Leinster and Ireland prop was in good for during the final Lions press conference at Carton House before the 41-man squad fly out, next Monday, for New Zealand.
Furlong spoke well on integrating with new players, learning new calls, calling the shots to his lock and what a mess some of the English and Welsh players were making when pronouncing his first name.
Reflecting on his rise from third-choice Ireland tighthead to his country’s main man and leading contender for the Lions No.3 jersey, Furlong said:
“I had played a lot of rugby before this season, played a lot of rugby with Leinster, some rugby with Ireland, gone to a World Cup, had a bit of experience, but I think this year more than any other I probably got lot more starts in the number three jersey and got a load more minutes and that builds up your confidence.
“Trust is put on you and when you get that you can put minutes on minutes and be a better rugby player when you’re playing that bit more consistently.”
Furlong spoke eloquently and openly for 13 minutes but it was a question near the end of his Q&A that stood out the most. Travelling English and Welsh journalists confided, following the briefing, that the 24-year-old’s response had been thoroughly impressive.
‘You’re from a non-traditional rugby background [down in Wexford] with a strong GAA presence in your upbringing,’ the query began. ‘What do you think of when you put on the red [Lions] jersey? Where you’re from first or about your country?’ Furlong responded:
“A little bit of both, I think. It’s something that motivates me a lot to play rugby, is where I come from, the people I represent and the family back home, the locality… I talked before about that community and
parochial sense and that’s something that drives me on.“Everyone is different with stuff that drives them on but it’s probably the thing that spurs me on.
“Look, of course you think of those people I’ve played rugby with and who have supported me since I was five years of age.
“You always think of them and you think of your country and your province as well, because without all those things falling in line for you and the support they give you, I wouldn’t be here.”
Lovely words, spoken well. Deep, unapologetic pride in Campile, New Ross, Wexford and Ireland.
Hear Tadhg discuss the small ball, oval ball and football with Ivan Yates, Banty, Davy and more. Talbot Hotel Stillorgan, Monday 8th May. pic.twitter.com/eAnAnjVqmy
— Wexford Supporters (@wexfordindublin) April 28, 2017
Furlong’s head is firmly on his big, scrummaging shoulders. He’ll do just fine in New Zealand.
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