Ireland's backs coach Andrew Goodman believes that Leinster and Ireland star Sam Prendergast is now ready to lead the Emerging Ireland squad for the upcoming tour because of his experiences with the Ireland team in South Africa
Prendergast, one of Leinster's brightest stars, has earned 19 caps for Leinster since making his debut in 2022. The Kildare native also toured with Andy Farrell's Ireland team during the South Africa tour.
Although Prendergast didn't play in the two tests, Goodman believes that the experience of being with the senior squad has prepared him well to lead the Emerging Ireland squad, composed of fringe and younger players.
"To come away to South Africa was a great experience for him," said Goodman to reporters on Thursday.
"He wasn't there to make up the numbers; he was pushing hard in every training session.
"It was great for him to build another level of understanding around how the Irish team plays the game and also for him to gain confidence as the 10 calls the shots.
"We expect him to come in after that experience and lead this team.
"I thought he had a good start on Friday night in terms of how he directed the Leinster team, and he'll be looking to build on that during this tour and put his name forward for future Leinster fixtures."
Sam Prendergast! 😮💨#FutureIsGreen | @PwCIreland pic.twitter.com/HJpR3FDVgg
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 3, 2023
Prendergast, an outhalf, is best known for his displays for the Irish under-20s, where they won the Grand Slam in 2023. He was also part of the young Irish side that reached the final of the World Championship.
Emerging Ireland captain Alex Kendellen is among those impressed with Prendergast's short career so far. The Munster player admits he's looking forward to playing alongside him.
"I just met him for the first time," the Munster backrow added.
"I've seen what he's done on the pitch for Leinster, and he's an incredible player, even for the under-20s.
"He looks like he's got it all, and I'm excited to play behind him."
Ireland will play the Pumas in their campaign opener on Wednesday, 2 October. They will then face Super Rugby outfit Western Force on Sunday, 6 October, and conclude the tour against defending Currie Cup champions, the Cheetahs, on Wednesday, 9 October. All three matches will be played at Toyota Stadium.
Ireland travels to South Africa on Saturday.
Emerging Ireland Squad (South Africa Tour 2024)
Forwards (18):
Jack Aungier (Clontarf FC/Connacht)
James Culhane (UCD RFC/Leinster)
Mark Donnelly (Garryowen FC/Munster)
Jordan Duggan (Naas RFC/Connacht)
Sean Edogbo (UCC RFC/Munster)
Ronan Foxe (Garryowen FC/Munster)
Cormac Izuchukwu (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster)
Sean Jansen (Connacht)
Alex Kendellen (UCC RFC/Munster)(captain)
Gus McCarthy (UCD RFC/Leinster)
Darragh Murray (Buccaneers RFC/Connacht)
Evan O’Connell (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster)
Conor O’Tighearnaigh (UCD RFC/Leinster)
Danny Sheahan (Cork Constitution FC/Munster)
Harry Sheridan (Dublin University FC/Ulster)
Stephen Smyth (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster)
Alex Soroka (Clontarf FC/Leinster)
Scott Wilson (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
Backs (15):
Hugh Cooney (Clontarf FC/Leinster)
Ethan Coughlan (Shannon RFC/Munster)
Matthew Devine (Corinthians RFC/Connacht)
Cormac Foley (Lansdowne FC/Leinster)
Hugh Gavin (Galwegians RFC/Connacht)
Chay Mullins (Connacht/Ireland Sevens)
Jack Murphy (Clontarf FC/Ulster)
Sean O’Brien (Clontarf FC/Munster)
Ben O’Connor (UCC RFC/Munster)
Andrew Osborne (Naas RFC/Leinster)
Jude Postlethwaite (City of Armagh RFC/Ulster)
Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne FC/Leinster)
Rob Russell (Dublin University FC/Leinster)
Charlie Tector (Lansdowne FC/Leinster)
Zac Ward (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster/Ireland Sevens).
Emerging Ireland Tour Fixtures
• Wednesday, 2 October: Emerging Ireland v The Pumas, 4pm local time/3pm Irish time
• Sunday, 6 October: Emerging Ireland v Western Force, 1pm local time/12pm Irish time
• Wednesday, 9 October: Emerging Ireland v The Cheetahs, 7pm local time/6pm Irish time
