JORDAN LARMOUR ISN’T the type of guy who lacks confidence, particularly on a rugby pitch, but this is all new territory for him; the cameras, the questions and the glare of publicity.
‘This is my first one,’ he announces upon his arrival for media duty in the hotel lobby.
In the limelight: Ireland U20 winger Jordan Larmour. Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
He is, of course, referring to his first interview and certainly for many young players, it’s often an uneasy experience. They don’t want to say the wrong thing, so saying as little as possible can regularly be the object of the exercise.
Larmour, however, doesn’t appear to get overawed too easily and he takes it all in his stride with minimal fuss. To be fair, he has a lot to talk about and there are a lot of people talking about him.
The 19-year-old is one of the most exciting prospects in Nigel Carolan’s U20s squad and made his debut at this level in Friday night’s win over Scotland.
“You kind of have to embrace everything else that’s going on and try not to think about it,” he says of the extra attention.
“You do notice a step up, everyone’s bigger and faster. The game is a lot quicker and the hits are a lot harder. You just put your head down and keep working at it. Once you’re in the game you forget about the physicality and all that. You just play rugby.”
He’s doing alright so far.
Ireland weren’t at their best at Broadwood Stadium and conditions hardly allowed them to play an expansive game but anyone who has come across Larmour will appreciate his talent.
Larmour is a member of Leinster’s sub-academy. Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO
The brief glimpses we did get of the winger on the opening weekend gave an indication of what he offers; speed, energy, direct running and an ability to find a gap. It’s not a bad skillset, particularly when you consider he was forced to show another side to his game in Cumbernauld.
The hope will be that Ireland’s back line will get more of a chance to express themselves as the tournament progresses, especially in the home games on Donnybrook’s 4G surface.
It was at that venue where Larmour first came to the prominence as he starred for St Andrew’s College in various cup campaigns. His performance in last year’s Senior Cup defeat to St Michael’s was further proof of his potential and why there is such excitement around him.
He played centre that day but has since changed to the wing.
“Centre is where I was from day one in school and I really enjoyed it but long term I think the back three is where I’ll be looking at,” he explains.
“You’ve Garry Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw in the centre at Leinster, that’s very tough. The wing is just as tough to get onto but for me at the moment I’m preferring the wing. I haven’t played centre in a while but I can see myself playing wing. I back myself.”
There’s that confidence again. He speaks of the current competition in the Leinster squad with every intention of breaking into Leo Cullen’s plans in the not too distant future.
Indeed, he’s highly thought of at the province and big things are already expected.
In action against Munster’s Development side for Leinster U20s. Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO
After completing his Leaving Certificate last year, Larmour earned a place in the Leinster sub-academy and regularly trains with the senior panel as well as lining out for the A side in the British and Irish Cup.
A couple of good showings during this Six Nations will advance his cause no end.
“It’s a bigger platform, there’s more people watching and all that,” he continues. “But rugby is the main priority, that’s number one, but you are always thinking about who is watching and you want to be at your best and play at your best.”
It rings true: you just never know who is watching and taking notice.