Then and Now: The Irish Under-20s' Historic Win Over New Zealand in 2016
It's been a few years since the Irish Under-20s rugby team made history by defeating New Zealand in 2016. But what happened to those players since then? Let's take a look at some of the key players from that team and where they are now.
The Stars of the Team
Jacob Stockdale: A natural-born rugby talent, Stockdale was known for his super left foot and howitzer of a boot. He had two years with the team and always knew he was going to make it. In my opinion, he's one of the most exciting players to come out of the Irish rugby system in recent years.
Matthew Byrne: A quiet but very quick player, Byrne scored a rattler of a try against England in the Six Nations. He joined the Connacht academy and spent a couple of years there, but his destiny was to become an architect, which I think he wanted more.
Shane Daly: Versatile and brilliant, Daly was capable of playing centre, wing, or fullback. As his career has progressed, he's still dabbling in all those positions. In my view, he's a true rugby chameleon.
Conor O'Brien: A big, abrasive, swashbuckling centre, O'Brien stepped up when Sammy Arnold got injured. He didn't let the side down and was a key player in that campaign.
Hugo Keenan: Quiet and unassuming, Keenan was called the silent assassin. When he came alive on a pitch, there was something special about him. I just think he didn't believe in himself at the time, but thankfully, he went on to realize his potential.
Bill Johnston: A coach in the player's shirt, Johnston possessed a very high rugby IQ. Good lad, he rarely cracked a smile, very serious, even as a young fella. He understood the game really well, but was very unfortunate that with the plethora of injuries he had, he didn't kick on. We thought he was going to be something special.
Stephen Kerins: The way we tried to play the game with speed and tempo suited Kerins down to the ground. He had a whip of a pass and he got the ball in and out. Very quick across the ground. At age-grade, I think he maxed out on what he had.
Andrew Porter: I think it speaks for itself, both the potential and how it was realized. What a beast of a human being he was then and as he is now. A great performer, very strong-willed, and he brought guys with him in matches all the time.
Adam McBurney: Abrasive, fiery, and a natural leader, McBurney demanded a high standard vocally and backed it up with his actions. He had a really strong mindset.
James Ryan (capt): The talisman, Ryan knew again that he was destined for higher things. A natural captain, he led by example; very detailed and very consistent.
The Players Who Didn't Make It
Cillian Gallagher: A super lineout forward who had the athleticism to play secondrow and backrow, Gallagher was unfortunately cut short by a plethora of injuries. His huge potential was curtailed, and he never quite realized his full potential.
Kelvin Browne: A penalty machine, Browne was abrasive and headstrong. He loved to pick a battle and pick a fight. You couldn't fault his enthusiasm, but he probably was more suited to playing as an openside flanker.
Niall Saunders: Saunders probably disappointed that he didn't play more, but we felt at the times when he came on, he just lacked a little bit of control. He had a decent pass and a good kicking game, but tended to do his own thing sometimes.
The Players Who Stepped Up
Max Deegan: Man of the match against New Zealand and the overall player of the tournament. For anyone who'd seen him play at the time, he was superb. He had the full court game; his ball-carrying, set-piece, and defense were all top-notch. His play at the back of the scrum was unbelievable. He's only probably getting the game time now that he probably deserved five years ago.
Vincent O'Brien: He didn't play in the Six Nations and made his debut in the Wales match. Played a lot for us off the bench.
Jimmy O'Brien: A box of tricks, versatile, and brought great spark and an unbelievable skill set that I don't think any of the others had in the same way. He had the run, kick, pass, that triple threat. Great off the bench.
The Players Who Didn't Make the Cut
Paul Kiernan: A very honest player, straight up and down, always gave 100%. He was a little bit behind the likes of centres Conor O'Brien and Shane Daly.
Terry Kennedy: He still hates me today for not picking him as much as he thought I should have. He was in good company there with the talent and the competition around him. Terry was a little bit more raw than the other guys. It was great to see him go on and do what he did in the Sevens game.
Conor Kenny: A mountain of a tighthead prop, he did exactly what it said on the tin. He got injured and it was a pity that we lost him early in that World Cup.
Evan Mintern: Got a bit of game time towards the back end of the World Cup with Cillian Gallagher and Will Connors injured. More of a backrow that played at lock for us.
Will Connors: Poor divil was injury-ridden then and is still injury-ridden. Powerful, quick, brave, and a great skill set. One of the guys you'd love to see get at least a full season where he's injury-free.
Looking Ahead
The Irish Under-20s team of 2016 was a real mix of talent and potential. Some players have gone on to great things, while others have had to navigate the ups and downs of professional rugby. But one thing is for sure: the team of 2016 left a lasting legacy, and their impact on Irish rugby will be felt for years to come. Personally, I think the team of 2016 was a real turning point for Irish rugby, and it's exciting to see where the next generation of players will take the sport.
