Young stars get back to basics after dramatic debut

FOR Luke Fitzgerald and Stephen Ferris, it has been a dizzyingly rapid ascent. But having reached the pinnacle of Irish rugby with their international debuts at the weekend, both have their feet firmly back on the ground.

A few months ago, they may have entertained thoughts of Croke Park, maybe even the World Cup. It is unlikely either dreamed of winning a first cap in the last international at the old heap that is Lansdowne Road.

The tale of how Fitzgerald was still playing schools rugby this time last year is familiar by now. But Ferris’ rise has been just as meteoric if far less easy to track. This is, after all, a man who only started playing rugby at the age of 13.