Laois native Jack Deegan delivered a player-of-the-match on Monday, as Ireland beat their English counterparts in Round 1 of rugby’s U-18 International Series.
Deegan, who is from Kellyville, the home of St Joseph’s GAA club, scored two tries and had a hand in three more as Ireland secured a statement victory.
Deegan is an outside centre who plays his club rugby for Cistercian College Roscrea and is part of the Leinster Academy at provincial level.
The U-18 International Series, which is being held in South Africa, follows on from the U-18 Six Nations Festival held in Italy in April, where Deegan also featured.
These tournaments give players and coaches alike development opportunities in a high performance environment.
The games are traditionally played in schools, with Ireland beating England at Stellenberg High School, Cape Town.
England took an early lead, but Ireland hit back with three converted tries, the second of which coming from Deegan, to lead by 21-7 at half time.
The Laois man opened the scoring after the break with his second try of the game to move Ireland further in front.
England fought back with three converted tries of their own, but a last-minute try from Ireland secured an impressive 14-point victory.
Head Coach Michael Hodge’s saw his Ireland youngsters finish up 42-28 winners, scoring six tries – all of which were converted.
Deegan’s player-of-the-match performance continues Laois’s run of form on the International stage, with Portarlington’s Alanna Fitzpatrick having represented Ireland’s Rugby Sevens team at the Paris Olympics.
It was also an especially proud day for Cistercian College Roscrea, who, as well as having Deegan on the Ireland team, were also represented by second row, Joe Finn, and back row, Thomas Dougan, both of whom are in the Munster Academy.
Ireland play hosts, South Africa this coming Friday, August 16, before taking on Georgia four days later on Tuesday, August 20.
South Africa beat Georgia 20-3 in their opening round game.
France had been in South Africa to take part in the tournament, but withdrew following a tragic event last week.
It is reported that French player, Medhi Narjissi, was caught in a rip tide and swept out to sea during a recovery session at Cape Point beach near Cape Town.
SEE ALSO – Laois Football Podcast: Looking back on a dramatic and exciting Round 2 of the SFC
