James Tracy sees only positives to South Africa experiment

James Tracy knows there are naysayers out there when it comes to the South African experiment but the Leinster hooker can see only the advantages as the province’s playing staff checks in today for the long-haul flight to the PRO14’s newest territory.

Leo Cullen will only confirm the 28-man squad today for the 12-day trip which will take in games against the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth and the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein but Tracy has clearly been told to ready his passport.

“Everyone is buzzing about it,” said the Ireland international whose rugby travels thus far have taken in Scotland, Wales, Italy, a stint in Bucharest with Emerging Ireland and Ireland’s summer tour to the USA and Japan.