It’s good to talk, insists Kernohan
Rugby
With 13 professional appearances already under his belt, Ulster winger Angus Kernohan is unquestionably the most experienced player in the Ireland U20s squad.
Despite only coming into the group for the round three Six Nations visit to Italy, head coach Noel McNamara was keen for the Ballymena Academy graduate to exert his authority in the Irish back-three.
“Having spoken to the coaches before I came into camp, they put an emphasis on coming in and trying to increase the communication within the team.
“Trying to lead from the front. Obviously there’s extremely good leaders within the squad and I try just to play a part, and be a team player,” Kernohan said.
“Particularly in the back field there has to be a lot of talk and it’s something I try to bring to the squad.”
Whereas Leinster flanker Scott Penny has featured exclusively with the international side in the current window, provincial commitments ensured Kernohan missed out on wins against England and Scotland.
He admits it was challenging to be drafted into the team mid-Championship, but the form of the team ultimately made it a simple transition.
“You pretty much get a phone call telling you, you’re either in Dublin or you’re either in Belfast. There’s a hunger to play for both obviously.
“You want to play for your province and get professional experience, but playing for your country, that’s a real privilege.
“I was obviously coming into a camp where the team has been doing so well. It made it a lot easier. I’ve known a lot of these guys for a long time now.
“There’s a real emphasis on bonding as a team, on and off the field. Thankfully they’ve all welcomed me in well and it was great to get over there in Italy,” Kernohan added.
Ireland will look to maintain their push for a Grand Slam when they welcome France to Musgrave Park tomorrow night (kick-off 7.15pm).
However, with skipper David Hawkshaw ruled out through injury his place in the centre is taken by Cork Constitution’s Sean French, while Ben Healy (Garryowen) joins the uncapped Ryan Baird on the bench.
IRELAND: J Flannery; A Kernohan, L Turner, S French, J Wren; H Byrne, C Casey; J Wycherley, D Tierney-Martin, T Clarkson; C Ryan, N Murray; M Moloney, S Penny, J Hodnett.
Replacements: J McKee, C Reid, R Lomas, R Baird, D McCann, C Foley, B Healy, R Russell.