Johnny Sexton’s possible heir for Leinster and Ireland told to ‘deliver now’

Leinster fly-half Harry Byrne will get an opportunity to stake his claim for the Leinster – and potentially Ireland – shirt long-term this weekend.

The 24-year-old starts for the Irish province in their huge European Champions Cup clash against La Rochelle in a repeat of the last two finals.

Following an injury to Harry’s elder brother, Ross, who is out of action until the early part of 2024, he has got the nod over Ciaran Frawley for Sunday’s game.

Struggles

The younger Byrne has struggled to kick-start his career despite showing plenty of promise, with injuries and the presence of the likes of Ireland legend Sexton and his sibling halting his development.

“It’s time to deliver now,” Leinster head coach Leo Cullen told reporters.

“He’s such a talented player, Harry, you see. This is a huge step now. That’s the thing, the players just need to take the step. What a way to do it, away in France.

“He came off the bench a couple of years ago away to Montpellier, you could see the talent that’s there. This time, he gets to run out and start and we’ll see how the game unfolds.

“He’s been growing year on year, he’s learning from some of the players who have been there and Johnny [Sexton] in particular who has been in the driving seat for so long.”

It is not uncommon for players to develop later at Leinster, given the province’s incredible talent and depth, making it difficult for youngsters to break through at an earlier age.

Cullen used the example of the great Sexton, who was handed an opportunity following an injury to Felipe Contepomi and took it with both hands.

Making the step up

“This is Harry’s time now. Think back to Croke Park in 2009, Felipe starting the game and Johnny [Sexton] steps in as a 24-year-old, now Harry is a 24-year-old, and he’s stepping into the team,” he added.

“They’ve learnt and learnt and learnt. Whether through domestic competition, the bits of exposure in the Champions Cup, it’s time to step up. That’s the great piece, that’s what the journey of the players generally speaking, coming in.

“Harry has plenty of experience of playing games but this is a big game now. A proper big game. He’s played Test match rugby as well, but this is a big step up, yeah.”

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