Marshall’s move reaps reward

They were rival fly-halves at school who evolved into professional team-mates, but although Paddy Jackson’s potential at No 10 forced Luke Marshall to move a step further along the backline, it is Marshall whom both agree is the more free-spirited of the pair.

Given their intertwined development as rugby players, it is fitting that both 21-year-old Ulster men will make their Test debuts at Murrayfield on Sunday when Ireland take on Scotland in Edinburgh.

They began as out-halves vying for Ulster Schools Cup glory. Methodist College’s Jackson gaining the upper hand over Ballymena Academy’s Marshall in their head-to-head battles, 2-1 to the Methody man.