Dynamic Larmour ready for the big time, says Schmidt

Joe Schmidt declared rookie Leinster star Jordan Larmour ready for Test rugby as he backed the 20-year-old to thrive off the bench in Ireland’s push for tries in Saturday’s Six Nations clash with Italy.

Larmour, still an academy player with his province, has already laid down a marker with standout performances in his debut season in the Guinness PRO14 and Champions Cup, most notably a stunning individual try in broken play against Munster on St Stephen’s Day in Limerick.

Having been called into the Ireland squad, head coach Schmidt yesterday named him as the outside backs replacement for tomorrow’s round-two championship home game against the Conor O’Shea-coached Italians.