DEFEAT to the All Blacks brought an end to Ireland’s Rugby World Cup campaign that promised so much.
The loss also brings a conclusion to Jack Crowley’s maiden World Cup crusade but the West Cork man can hold his head high. Crowley had some fantastic cameos throughout the tournament.
From nailing his kicks against Romania, the crossfield ball to Ringrose against Scotland, and his game clinching penalty against the Springboks, Jack can look back fondly on his time in France.
The attention now turns to the future.
The World Cup exit brought an end to a few notable international tenures with both Keith Earls and Ireland’s captain Johnny Sexton calling a halt to their illustrious careers in the green jersey.
Sexton’s departure has sparked many a debate countrywide of who will be the heir to the throne, and Crowley leads the pack.
Some incredibly talented players will by vying for the position over the coming years with Crowley not having to look too far but on his inside shoulder in a red jersey. Joey Carbery will get an opportunity at out-half for Munster in the coming weeks and he’ll be looking to play his way back into form and a potential Ireland call-up.
In Leinster, there’s no shortage of pretenders to the throne as their conveyor belt of talent continues to impress. Ross Byrne, Ciaran Frawley, and Sam Prendergast will all be key players for the province going forward but it’s Prendergast that catches the eye. His performances in the Under 20 Six Nations combined with those at the Under 20 World Cup over the summer sparked a lot of confidence. He is a player to keep an eye on for the future and will be Jack’s main rival for the jersey.
Crowley can only concentrate on himself and that starts back with Munster. Coach Andy Kyriacou spoke to the media during the week and announced that the provinces’ Ireland contingent will return to play within three to five weeks depending on their playing time at the World Cup.
No doubt Jack will keep his feet on the ground, and get back to work. It’s in his nature to do so.
With the visions of World Cup glory now a distant memory, one can only think ahead to a Friday night in Marseille in February.
Can Crowley claim his place at the throne and follow in the footsteps of what has gone before him?
The King is dead – long live the King.
Watching the match at Skibbereen RFC were Jasmine Kiely, Niamh Quinn, Anna Carroll and Emma Connolly. (Photo: Anne Minihane)
