A big week for Irish rugby lies as ahead as the URC season kicks off. Ahead of this, Stephen Ferris has picked his players to watch from the provinces for the upcoming season.
The Irish sides begin on Saturday, with Graham Rowntree’s first competitive game with Munster away at Cardiff, while Leinster make the trip to Italy to face Zebre.
In Belfast on Saturday night, Ulster host Connacht in the first inter-pro derby of the season.
With the World Cup in a year’s time, international places are up for grabs, and players from all four provinces needing a big season to impress Andy Farrell.
Speaking to Balls.ie in association with Ladbrokes, Stephen Ferris named his players to watch.
The Players To Watch In Irish Rugby This Season
Ulster- Jacob Stockdale
2 September 2022; Irish rugby ;Jacob Stockdale of Ulster scores the final try during the Pre-Season friendly match between Ulster and Exeter Chiefs at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. Photo by John Dickson /Sportsfile
In 2018, Jacob Stockdale was the star of Irish rugby. The top try scorer of the Six Nations that season, he had the world at the palm of his hands and looked to be Ireland’s and Ulster’s attacking threat for years to come.
However, injuries, a poor run of form and players stepping up in his position has seen a difficult 18 months for Stockdale. Now back fit and ready to go ahead of the new season, Stephen Ferris thinks this can be a big season for the Ulster winger.
“He was back in pre-season friendly for Ulster against Exeter only a couple of weeks ago, he scored a try back under the Friday night lights. He’s probably going to start for Ulster this weekend against Connacht.
It’s a big season, Rugby World Cup 2023, is just less than a year away. Jacob Stockdale, he’s my man to watch this year for Ulster Rugby."
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Munster- Antoine Frisch
One of the most interesting signings ahead of the new season is Munster centre Antoine Frisch. The 26-year-old impressed with the Bristol Bears, gaining Munster’s attention, who fed off competition from the Top 14 to acquire his services.
Frisch is Irish qualified through his grandmother, and Ferris doesn’t rule out a late charge into the World Cup squad.
“He has feet on him, he’s electric pace, he’s got all the skills. He’s on the emerging Ireland tour, to head away and be seen by the coaching staff.
Could it be a big year for him, could he sneak his way into that Rugby World Cup squad 2023, lets wait and see.
Connacht- Jack Carty
12 February 2022; Irish rugby ;Jack Carty of Ireland leaves the pitch after his side's defeat in the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between France and Ireland at Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Carty currently finds himself in an odd position. Having missed out on the tour to New Zealand, he somehow didn’t find himself further down the pecking order, as Ireland struggle to find clear alternatives to Johnny Sexton.
On his day, he is one of the most technically gifted players in Europe. However, Connacht’s hopes of success this season, heavily depend on his from. Stephen Ferris also acknowledges he will be key to Connacht’s success.
I know we’ve talked about him season in, season out, but he gets this Connacht team functioning. It’s a big, big year for him. Is he second choice, third choice, fourth choice fly-half for Ireland, we will wait and see.
First of all, he’s go to get this team ticking, he’s the captain of Connacht Rugby, down in Galway, the men in green, can they do it? We’ll wait and see."
Leinster-Ryan Baird
26 August 2022; Irish rugby ;Leinster players Ryan Baird and Liam Turner during a swim on day two of the Leinster Rugby 12 Counties Tour at Brittas Bay in Wicklow. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Still only 23, Baird burst on to the scene with Leinster when he scored a hat-trick against Glasgow in March 2020. If it wasn’t for the pandemic, he could have really pushed on to the next level. His athleticism and pace for a second row saw comparisons to New Zealand’s Brodie Retallick.
His performances have earned him appearances for Ireland, but Ferris claims getting a starting position for his province, at the second or back row, will show his true qualities on a regular basis.
Is it the second row, is it the back row, we aren’t too sure.
He’s got a big year ahead of him, can he nail down a Rugby World Cup 2023 squad spot in this Irish side? Big year for a big man."
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