Catt hails 'huge' impact of Emerging Ireland tour as new recruits eye senior step up

Some uncapped tourists are out to make an impact in South Africa.

Ireland coaches Paul O’Connell, Simon Easterb, Mike Catt and John Fogarty. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

There is a good chance that Ireland’s three uncapped players currently in South Africa will remain that way during this keenly anticipated two-Test series with the world champions. Yet their readiness for international rugby is not up for debate among Andy Farrell’s management set-up.

Centre Jamie Osborne and lock/flanker Cormac Izuchukwu are the latest graduates from 2022’s Emerging Ireland squad to earn a promotion to the senior Irish camp, joining five other, already-capped alumni from the squad named for what was a successful three-game stint in Bloemfontein.