The presence of Munster's 2006-2008 golden era will be felt tonight in Musgrave Park, as the Ireland U20s take on Italy U20s in the Six Nations Championship.
Uncles Paul and Frankie will have their own flesh and blood on the field, through Ireland captain Evan O'Connell and substitute hooker Danny Sheahan.
Kid With Munster Roots Ready To Face The Ireland U20s
The kid with the strongest link to that famed Munster team, however, will be lining out at flly-half for the opposition.
His name is Martino Pucciariello - the son of Frederico, who played for Munster from 2005-2009, including an appearance in the 2006 Heineken final win over Biarritz.
Martino - who faced Ireland in a Six Nations warm-up fixture in December - has said that it has always been his dream to be a professional rugby player. A dream, as he describes, that was born down in Limerick while watching his dad don the red jersey:
I have memories of seeing him playing in the European Cup in Limerick, in a beautiful stadium like Thomond Park, and I always had the dream, the same goal.
I was also lucky to have my dad and my family who always supported me a lot and told me to follow my dream, no matter where or how, but to follow it.
READ HERE: From Cork Hurling To Ireland U20s: The Journey Of Ben O'Connor
15 May 2009; Munster's Federico Pucciariello celebrates on the pitch with his wife Carlotta and children Bernardo, left, and Martino. Magners League, Munster v Neath Swansea Ospreys, Thomond Park, Limerick. Picture credit: Diarmuid Greene / SPORTSFILE
Frederico earned eight caps for the Italian national team, but similar to the likes of Diego Dominguez, Sergio Parisse, and Martin Castrgiovanni, he is a born and bred Argentinian.
Martino, although born in his mother's home city of Florence, was bred in Argentina as well. After his father retired at Munster, the family moved back to South America, where he was introduced to Frederico's beloved home club, Jockey de Rosario.
Through their version of Ireland's IQ programme, the Italian Rugby Federation came calling, and despite reservations, Martino saw it as the best path to his ultimate goal.
"They told me to come on a trial, four months passed and for now they want me to stay," Pucciariello said in an interview with ESPN.
"At first it was hard because I lived all my life in Argentina. But I was always clear that my goal and my dream is to be a professional and reach as high as possible and I knew that the opportunity was here. When the call came from the Academy of Zebre, I didn't doubt it for a second."
READ HERE: The Fascinating Journeys Of Ireland's 2012 U20s Rugby Team
This makes us feel old 🥲
Federico 'Freddie' Pucciarello's son, Martino (right), will line out at out-half for Italy U20s against Ireland U20s at Virgin Media Park tonight! #IREvITA @SixNationsU20 pic.twitter.com/acmfCLDyj9
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) February 9, 2024
Speaking with the Irish Times ahead of today's game, Martino touched on the frequent family holidays to Limerick, and the special place that Munster still holds for his father.
“There has always been a unique atmosphere here. I believe it is the place that has the warmest fans of all. I have never been to Musgrave Park, but to Thomond Park many times, both as a child and in recent years.
“With the family, we take a holiday to Limerick almost every year to catch up and say hello to old friends and we always try to fit in a rugby match. On Friday night there will be lots of people who will come to watch me play and dad will be there too. I think it will be a special match for him too, because he will be able to meet again with many people he knows or has played with.”
He is a ten who has said he is inspired by the play of Finn Russell, and likes to play 'spontaneously'.
By the sounds of it, Ireland may have their hands full.
SEE ALSO: Richie Murphy Makes Three Changes To Ireland U20s XV Ahead Of Italy Clash
