Connachtss Eoghan Masterson refusing to give up on Ireland chance

Connacht’s Eoghan Masterson is the perfect endorsement of a player who is reaping the rewards for his indefatigable determination to play for Ireland.

Epitomising the new breed of young player whose stature and confidence continues to grow within the Connacht Rugby structure, the 22-year-old expects to line out against Ulster’s Nick Williams in this evening’s festive derby at the Sportsground — a player, who along with All Black Kieran Reed, he would love to emulate.

Masterson, in his first year of a development contract, has played nine of this season’s Connacht’s fixtures in a hugely competitive back row after “a rollercoaster” ride to professional rugby through the Portlaoise RFC youth system, Leinster sub-academy, the Irish underage ranks before a World Cup U20 campaign with Scotland.