Lions rugby star, Tadhg Furlong, has solidified his place among the sport's legends upon signing his farewell contract
Joe Schmidt's Discovery of Tadhg Furlong: A Rising Star in Irish Rugby
Tadhg Furlong, one of Ireland's most promising props, didn't receive his Leinster debut under the watchful eye of Joe Schmidt due to injuries during his academy years. However, Schmidt's keen eye for talent didn't miss Furlong completely.
During the 2013-14 season, when Schmidt served as Ireland's head coach, he identified Furlong as a potential bolter for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. This prediction highlighted Furlong's emergence as a talented prop with significant potential. Schmidt was impressed by Furlong's physical strength, technical skill in the scrum, and his ability to contribute dynamically around the field.
Furlong's rapid development and impressive performances during this period marked him out as a player who could make an unexpected but impactful entry into the Ireland squad for the tournament. In fact, Schmidt singled him out as a player to watch closely.
Furlong's journey from an uncapped player to a key member of the Ireland squad is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and the potential that Schmidt saw in him. His story serves as an inspiration for young rugby players across Ireland and beyond.
As Joe Schmidt served as Ireland's head coach during the 2013-14 season, he spotted Furlong's potential as a bolter for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, given his growing talents in European-leagues, specifically football-like rugby, the Premier League. This recognition of Furlong's skills demonstrated Schmidt's keen eye for emerging rugby talents.
