Having previously spent eight years at the province, he found himself back at Munster in recent times as part of the coaching team for a number of their age-grade squads.

He has also been involved at senior level with UL Bohemians in the All-Ireland League and given the experience he has clocked up both on and off the pitch, Faloon was delighted he came on board as a replacement for Mark Sexton within the Ireland U20s coaching ticket for this year’s Championship.

“Keats has been great, a really good personality around the group. He’s been helping out with our edge defence and off the lineouts. Getting the basics done really well and not going too far away from that,” acknowledged Faloon, who represented his native Ulster and Connacht as a player in the professional game.

Whereas Keatley’s role with the Ireland U20s group is that of a backs coach, Faloon’s main focus is on defence and the lineout. Having been part of the Grand Slam successes that the Irish have enjoyed at this age grade in the past two seasons, it goes without saying that the ex-flanker would dearly love to see the current squad pulling off a similar feat in 2024.

While it is a relatively new group, Faloon believes the presence of a handful of players from last year’s U20 Six Nations triumph could prove invaluable ahead of a daunting opening round fixture against France in Aix-en-Provence this evening (kick-off 8.10pm Irish time).

“We are quite fortunate that there are a couple of guys in key positions. Brian [Gleeson] and Hugh Gavin, they know what the level is and know what the standard is. We have given them the opportunity to lead on Saturday night,” Faloon added.

“This is my third year at it, so I have kind of gotten a bit of an appreciation of it. They have gelled really well, something that the guys have got right over the last three seasons.

“The guys have been very diligent. It leaves us in a strong position.”