Kilcoyne privileged by Irish exposure
Following a meteoric rise from a wannabe to a fully contracted Munster player and on to international level, Kilcoyne has enjoyed what he describes as “a magnificent few weeks” with Ireland.
Although he is happy to be back at base in Limerick this week, Kilcoyne won’t easily forget the fact he featured in Ireland’s three autumn games — off the bench against South Africa and Argentina before starting against Fiji.
From the low of Ireland’s second-half collapse against the Springboks, everything went to plan with victories over the South Sea islanders and particularly the Pumas.
“I feel lucky to have been involved first day anyway, and being involved in the Argentina game was a really good feeling afterwards. It was a really good win against a quality side and it was the best I have ever experienced. Getting on the pitch for however many minutes was a dream come true for me and my family.”
At the age of 23 there are comparisons being made between him and the rise of Cian Healy as Ireland’s first choice loose-head following his debut at the even younger age of 22 three years ago.
But Kilcoyne is a mature student, despite knowing it’s early days, and is prepared to learn the trade the hard way by testing himself against a variety of top class tight-heads.
“Yeah, I suppose you learn your trade as per how many games you play and I have been lucky Rob (Penney) has given me opportunities to play against top quality sides in the RaboDirect and Heineken. On top of that, with Ireland I feel I’ve learned a huge amount , which can only add to my ability in the scrum.”
Apart from his natural ability there are other forces in his favour. He cites the guidance of Munster scrum coach Paul McCarthy for instance, with help from Ireland scrum coach Greg Feek. He adds in the competition between himself, Wian du Preez and Marcus Horan for a starting place with Munster which, he believes, has brought a new edge to his game, and even the chance to scrum down against Munster colleague, tight-head BJ Botha.
Kilcoyne is clearly one of a different breed of front row forwards and revels in a game-plan that is inclusive of his desire to play with ball in hand; he doesn’t freeze in the face of opposition backs running at him and puts that down to the fact he played much of his rugby in the back row.
He laughs when recalling his move to the front-row may have coincided with an increased appetite, saying: “I probably got too fond of the grub.” But nobody could accuse him of lacking pace or ability in the wider spaces of a rugby field.
Kilcoyne’s international experience is all positive and now he is hoping to bring some of that exuberance back into the Munster camp as the province sets about righting the wrongs of a loss to Scarlets in Cork last Saturday with a win against Glasgow Warriors at Thomond Park this weekend.
It’s just a week away from the must-win Heineken Cup clash against Saracens and Kilcoyne wants a starting place, having laid down his marker.
Most of all, however, he just wants Munster to get back on track, including a morale boosting RaboDirect win for starters.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
