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It has been quite a journey for Eric O’Sullivan, but Rob Herring believes this weekend could be the start of “many more internationals” for his country.
The 25-year-old Ulster mainstay was called up to Ireland for the first time last weekend and has already managed to find a place among replacements for Saturday’s Fall Nations Cup clash with Scotland (live on RTÉ, start at 2.15 pm).
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Having failed to make the breakthrough in Leinster, he moved north and enjoyed a stellar first season in Ulster. In the 2018/19 campaign, he made 26 appearances and all of them started in December.
Jack McGrath’s arrival last season reduced his number of starts, but he has thrived with competition and is expected to become Ireland’s 12th rookie in 2020 on Saturday.
His provincial teammate Herring will be making his 16th appearance in the green against the Scots when he starts as a hooker, and having seen O’Sullivan’s progress up close, he’s delighted to see the pillar get his chance this weekend. .
“I am delighted for Eric. He is an incredibly hard worker, the engine he has is incredible,” he told RTÉ Sport.
“It may seem like a quick promotion, but I think he’s had to be patient at times. Without a doubt, competing with someone like Jack McGrath over the past two seasons has really improved his game by leaps and bounds.
“It’s hugely deserved and in my opinion it’s been a long time coming. I’m very excited for him to see how it goes. When he races, it will be an enormously proud moment for him.”
He is realizing his goal now, but this is only the beginning for him.
“He turned 25 this week, so in terms of his professional career, he started a little later than most people, but in recent years, he has just gotten better week after week.
“He is realizing his goal now, but this is just the beginning for him, hopefully he can get many more internationals in the future.”
Follow Ireland v Scotland this Saturday through our live blog on RTÉ.ie / sport and the RTÉ News app, watch live on RTÉ 2 starting at 1.30pm, or listen to live commentary on RTÉ Radio’s Saturday Sport 1
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