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Published 16:14 25 Jan 2022 GMT
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Ian Keatley, Connacht, is tackled by Johne Murphy of Munster, in 2011. (Credit: Matt Browne/SPORTSFILE)[/caption]
"Only Seán Cronin was an established Irish player at that time [2008]. There was John Muldoon and Gav Duffy - they'd get one or two caps, here and there. "Now you can see how that has changed. There was Robbie Henshaw, when he was there. Kieran Marmion, Bundee Aki, Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane, they are all established Ireland players now, with an average of about 20 caps. "It's not a stepping stone any more. They have really put that foot forward... they now need to really perform in the United Rugby Championship - be up in third or fourth - if they are going to kick on."During a recent interview with SportsJOE, Connacht flanker Conor Oliver revealed he was set to join Leicester Tigers, in 2020, before he spoke with IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora. That conversation, allied with Oliver's Test ambitions, saw him move from Munster, who had offered him a new contract, to Connacht. His increased game-time and excellent form have seen him enter the Test selection picture, but he just missed out on Farrell's initial squad. The latest addition to the Ireland squad, from Connacht's ranks, is winger Mack Hansen. The 23-year-old, who was born in Australia and arrived in Galway from the Brumbies, has caught the attention with his bold, attacking style and a number of well-taken tries.
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