RUGBY: ADAM BYRNE INTERVIEW
Byrne focused on Leinster but hoping for international recognition
By Daire Walsh
AS he gears towards a congested end to the 2016/17 season, Kill’s Adam Byrne admits he would be thrilled to be involved in Ireland’s summer tour to Japan.
With nine tries from 14 Leinster appearances this term, Byrne is expected to be in the reckoning for the June test encounters against the United States (June 10) and the Brave Blossoms.
Because he is challenging for club honours in both the Guinness PRO12 and the European Rugby Champions Cup, Byrne is not looking too far ahead, but would nevertheless be proud to represent Ireland in the expected absence of several frontline players to the Lions squad.
“I’d love to be part of the tour [to Japan], but I haven’t heard anything from Joe [Schmidt] myself. Obviously, it’s the dream to play for your country, and that would be unbelievable, but I think at the moment I’m just focusing on here and just next week really. To be honest, I haven’t looked too far ahead at all,” Byrne remarked recently.
“I wouldn’t set goals quantitively. I want to improve on certain things each week, and show different things each week. Hopefully if I can improve on a few things, and keep playing well, who knows what will happen.”
Byrne is now part of a sizeable Kildare contingent, which includes joint vice-captain Jamie Heaslip, Fergus McFadden, James Tracy and Joey Carbery. The impressive Carbery was awarded a senior contract by the province last Monday week, and this brought back memories of Byrne’s own elevation to first-team status.
“I think first of all it’s great. Leinster are on the best clubs in the world for bringing through homegrown talent, and I’ve been lucky enough being born in Leinster, growing up in Leinster, and eventually playing for my province.”
“It’s great to see that they’re bringing players through. For me personally, it was a huge moment. I grew up watching rugby on TV, and supporting heroes.
“Then to eventually get to play with them, and get offered a senior contract, was a big moment for me.”
Byrne most recent game for Leinster was the comprehensive win over Scarlets at the RDS on Saturday, a fixture that brought him into direct opposition with Eadestown native Tadhg Beirne. Byrne revealed he has kept in touch with the towering lock since his summer 2016 move from Leinster to the Welsh outfit.
“I know him [Beirne] well. He lives, about five minutes away from me back in Kildare. He would have been a couple of years older than me. We always got on well, and we’d stay in touch. It’s great to see him doing well over there. He’s a really good player.”
“He came up through the system in here, and he was obviously marked, so he’s going to be good. I think he was unfortunate with a few injuries he had, especially last year. It’s great to see him back, injury-free and playing well.”
The current campaign has seen Byrne establishing himself as a key member of the Blues’ starting line-up, and even though he hasn’t made an major adjustment to his game, he does feel more confident since becoming a first-choice option.
“I suppose it just comes with the training, and whenever you’re playing. I don’t feel as if I’ve changed, but I’ve probably been playing with a bit more confidence looking back.”
“I just feel I’m ready to play in the games, and I’m able to play in them. I just want to show what I can do to the coaches.”
“Hopefully get picked, and hopefully play in those big games,” Byrne added.