If Tadhg Furlong is indeed bidding farewell to the Lions, he has secured a spot amongst the illustrious
Joe Schmidt's Early Recognition of Tadhg Furlong
Joe Schmidt, Ireland's head coach during the 2013-14 season, showed his keen eye for talent early on when he identified Tadhg Furlong as a potential bolter for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. This prediction was made while Furlong was still an uncapped player[1].
Schmidt's foresight was evident when he singled out Furlong as someone to watch closely[2]. However, Furlong's professional debut for Leinster was delayed due to injuries, preventing him from making an immediate impact under Schmidt's guidance.
Despite the setback, Schmidt's prediction proved to be accurate. Furlong's talent was undeniable, and he quickly established himself as a key player for both Leinster and Ireland. His strong performances earned him a place in the Irish squad for the 2015 World Cup, where he made his international debut[3].
Schmidt's early recognition of Furlong's potential was a testament to his ability to spot emerging talent and nurture it into world-class players. Furlong's success under Schmidt's guidance serves as a reminder of the importance of identifying and developing young talent in Irish rugby.
[1] Source: Irish Independent
[2] Source: The42.ie
[3] Source: RTE
Tadhg Furlong's initial focus was primarily on the European-leagues, specifically Leinster. It was later in the Premier-league, however, where his talent truly shone, earning him a spot in the Irish squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, a prediction made by Joe Schmidt during the 2013-14 season.
