The second coming of Sammy Arnold: Enjoying a new beginning in Connacht’s Neverland

Still only 24, Arnold, who earned Ireland recognition under Joe Schmidt against the USA in November 2018, found fresher fields in Connacht

Sammy Arnold: Left Munster last summer in search of gametime and has played a key role for Connacht this season. Picture: Inpho/James Crombie

He may be fresh as a daisy but Andy Friend is no Peter Pan. Nor is Connacht remotely like Neverland, JM Barrie’s fantasy world where Pan would take in lost boys for a life of adventure.

Yet whether a player is lost, as Tom Daly this week described his situation at Leinster three years ago, at a career crossroads as Alex Wootton appears to be, or simply in search of an opportunity to shine, the Sportsground and the mentorship of head coach Friend is the place to find oneself and regain that lost mojo.