Former WP U18 and SA U18 loose forward Josh Neill starred on debut for Ireland U20 last Saturday.
The blindside flanker, who also holds an Irish passport, marked his first appearance in emerald green with two tries as Ireland beat Italy 29-10 in a Six Nations warm-up at the UCD Bowl. Neill crossed twice from maul drives and was prominent at the breakdown.
The Cape Town-born loose forward attended Rondebosch Boys’ High, where his performances quickly put him on the radar of provincial and national selectors. He went on to captain Western Province at the U18 Craven Week, leading from the front in a dominant campaign that ended with him being named Player of the Tournament.
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That form earned him selection for South Africa U18 in last year’s International Series, where he featured against France, Ireland and England.
Interest in the teenager was intense, with reports linking him to several URC sides in South Africa as well as English and Irish clubs. In the end, Leinster won the race for his signature, bringing him into their academy setup.
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