Horan grasping Exiles shot

Fresh from an exciting Ireland U20 career, outside centre Foster Horan is looking to make a giant leap into the professional ranks with London Irish over the next few months.

The 19-year-old has joined English Premiership side on a six-month trial having been released from Leinster this summer, and having helped Mike Ruddock’s Irish U20s achieve their highest ever position at the Junior World Cup in South Africa, he is hoping to lay the foundations for a professional career by making an impression with the Exiles.

Horan featured off the bench in London Irish’s dominant pre-season victory over Munster last Friday at Musgrave Park on a night the English club announced a new official charity partnership with Irish humanitarian organisation Concern Worldwide. He was happy to assist that as he adjusts to a new chapter in his career.

“The chance arose from playing for the Irish U20s at the World Cup in South Africa,” Horan told the Irish Examiner. “I’ve got a six-month trial until December and I’m after signing up for that. It’s just a chance to get in the mix for a contract. It’s a good club to be at, they’ve new coaches coming in with Brian Smith and Shaun Edwards and it’s an exciting time.

“Once I was let off by Leinster, Mike Ruddock advised me that London Irish was a good club, offering a good deal and hopefully it will work out.”

Horan was part of the Ireland U20 squad in South Africa, where they made an early impression by beating the hosts in the opening game, only for their hopes of a first semi-final spot to be dashed by a pool defeat to England. Still, they regrouped, gained revenge over the English in the knockout stages and beat France for the second time in a year to earn fifth place, Horan’s memorable solo try having earned a famous first win in France during the U20 Six Nations.

“South Africa was a really good experience. We missed out on a semi-final spot but that was really down to one game we really could have won and you never know what could have happened.

“We beat France in France, then the hosts in South Africa and England having lost to them twice in recent months so doing well for the Irish U20s gives you huge confidence.”

Now the ambition is to channel that confidence into winning a more permanent deal at London Irish.

“I’m just going to concentrate on my rugby and hopefully show the coaches what I’ve got so I can go on and get a contract.”