Heaslip’s 24/7 focus paying dividends

THINGS are happening fast in the world of Jamie Heaslip lately. The last time he had time to notice the leaves were only beginning to fall, so he’s positively bemused by the fact it’s Christmas already.

Was it really last May when he graduated from Dublin University with a degree in medical engineering, he wonders?

The course he loved, the time it kept him away from rugby he hated. Now he has dispensed with the mortar board and gown, it's been rugby 24/7 and the full-time focus is already paying rich dividends.

Heaslip's star has long been tracked by those in the know. Two summers ago he played his part in taking the Irish U21s to the World Cup final in Scotland and on the back of those games he received his World Player of the Year nomination at that level.

His senior debut with Leinster followed last March in a Celtic League defeat in Donnybrook to the Ospreys, but it's under Michael Cheika that his career has finally hit fifth gear he has played in all four of the province's Heineken Cup matches so far.

With the retirement of Victor Costello during the summer, Heaslip has moved seamlessly into the former Olympian's slot at number eight, but there have been sacrifices along the way. Only small ones, mind.

The annual Christmas Eve bash in Grace's, in his home town of Naas, for instance. This year he'll be sticking to the OJ and acting as designated driving for his brothers and sister.

"I haven't had the time to think about Christmas to be honest. It's come by so quickly this year. It's just come out of nowhere. I'll only be home for the one day this year as well so it'll probably pass me by a bit."

Ulster and Munster are top of his 'to do' list over the festive season but try as they might, Leinster players won't be allowed forget last week's Heineken Cup defeat to Bourgoin that quickly.

Heaslip was one of half a dozen players experiencing their first taste of senior competitive action on French soil at the Stade Pierre Rajon, and if the result left something to be desired, the Newbridge College old boy doesn't seem to have returned with any lingering mental scars.

The only eye-opener was how a team that caved so meekly one week in Dublin could transform itself so completely at home seven days later. Apart from that, he sees it as just another chapter in a rapidly evolving career.

"Water off a duck's back for me. My time in Newbridge College, losing so many matches, means you can get used to dealing with defeats. You win some and you lose some.

"There are positives to be taken out of it as well. I think we're playing some very good attacking rugby. It's not the same type of rugby that everyone else is playing, so people are finding it a bit tricky to defend against.

"When you look at where we were at the start of the season, I think we've improved since then anyway. We're a new team compared to years gone by. We're getting used to each other still, but I think we're getting there."

Heaslip's attention is turned firmly in the direction of Ulster. Or at least it will be come match day. As much as he loves his rugby, he's not a slave to it and admits to shutting out all thoughts of the oval code when his stint in the office is done every day.

His knowledge of Ulster amounts to a vague outline rather than an in-depth picture, but he's experienced Ravenhill before with the Leinster U21s and realises that beating Mark McCall's team at home is a big ask for any side.

"I can imagine that Humphreys still orchestrates quite a lot of what they do. They have guys like Trimble and Tommy Bowe out wide who can do damage with the ball as well. I'm sure they can be dangerous but we've beaten them already this season and hopefully we can do it again."