Why talking heads got criticism of Fitzgerald all wrong

AS a professional rugby player, one of the best bits of advice you get is not to heed the media. It’s usually one of the older, battle-hardened players who passes on this wisdom down to the more naive, young guns. But they never listen.

An international rugby career usually begins with sparks of romance between player and the pundits. The journalists love a fresh new face. Initial reports are full of love and optimism. However, as the relationship develops, it can sour with the pundit turning on his former fancy and publicly castigating him. The player gets burned. And he stops reading the newspapers.

Luke Fitzgerald has been a darling of the media in Ireland throughout his glittering career. Every time he touches the ball, there is an air of anticipation. There is a sense something exciting is about to happen. It usually does.