2 weeks Ago By Irishexaminer.com
Leo Cullen has welcomed news that his former Leinster captain Johnny Sexton could be poised to assume a mentoring role with Andy Farrell’s young Ireland out-halves. The retired No.10 has repeatedly distanced himself from the world of coaching and has started life in the corporate role with new employers since bringing an illustrious playing career to an end after last year’s Rugby World Cup.
Brian O’Driscoll spoke on Newstalk this week of a “father figure” within that environment and one has already been taking numerous calls to help out on an informal basis and the Leinster coach said something similar. Munster’s Jack Crowley, who has 15 caps, is by far the most experienced of the three out-halves named this week in the squad for the November internationals. Ciaran Frawley is two years older at 26 but has played only three times.
Sam Prendergast is 21 and uncapped. “I think everyone was looking at Johnny and what does that look like. He has such a wealth of knowledge and its important that that’s not lost to the corporate world completely so Andy has done a good job in that.
“You look at the age profile of some of the tens in that squad, younger guys that are in such a complex position. "He has so much still to give to Irish rugby and it would be a shame to see that wasted. I don’t know the exact ins and outs of what exactly that’s going to look like but in theory, it sounds great, yeah.
” Prendergast has been given the starting slot for Leinster against the Lions at the Aviva Stadium this evening having started all three of the Emerging Ireland games on tour to South Africa earlier this month. Cullen was as happy for the experience this would bring the youngster in between appearances when he would have been expected to ‘run’ the week through play-calling, strategy, applying pressure on the opposition and the rest. “He is trending in a positive direction,” he said.
“Nobody is going to be the complete player at that age, I don't think. Everybody has to be patient with younger players. It's a good opportunity for Sam.
” As for himself, it has been reported that Cullen has agreed to stay on at Leinster for another two seasons. He was coy about that but did say that he was “enjoying the dynamic” and the freshness of the coaching group. “At some point, he will hope to get some news out there and hopefully I will be part of that, yeah, which would be lovely.
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