Do you have speed, power and endurance? Then the IRFU want to have a word with you

If you fancy yourself as an Irish Will Skelton or you're a distant cousin of Carlin Isles then the IRFU are looking for you.

Traditionally, you'd have to slog your way up through the mud of junior action and then maybe, just maybe, you might get a shot a provincial glory before getting a call to represent your country. Well, not any more if the latest IRFU talent search is to go by. They've issued an open invitation to all male athletes from any sport to chance their arm at being part of the new Irish Rugby Sevens programme with Talent Identification Days being held next month. SportsJOE may have a loose definition of athletic ability -  we think being able to pick things up with your toes should be an Olympic sport - but the IRFU seem to be a bit stricter. They are going to be testing speed, power and endurance which sounds like a lot of hard work for a day in January. It helps if you do play sport of some kind before putting yourself forward and the IRFU are suggesting men who are into athletics, basketball, hockey and Gaelic Games might be best suited for a trial as well as regular club rugby players from across Ireland. Ireland have entered a team for the Men's Rugby Europe Championship next June and the best of the best will be put forward for a Sevens session to make up a 20-man squad. If it sounds like your bag of swag then you can find more info here