Small in stature, huge in spirit: Farrell hails Lowry

Head coach Andy Farrell, left, and Michael Lowry during Ireland rugby squad training at Carton House. 

Michael Lowry may be small in stature but Andy Farrell would rather pick Ireland’s new full-back than play against him, the head coach has said.

Lowry, 23, is arguably the form player in Ireland right now given his performances for Ulster this season, not least in a man-of-the-match performance in the province’s European away win at Northampton Saints in December. Now he gets the chance to prove his readiness for Test rugby after Farrell handed him a start at full-back against Italy in Dublin tomorrow and the head coach has discounted the idea that Lowry’s small 5ft 7ins frame is a disadvantage for the player and Ireland.