Former Leinster player Gordon D'Arcy has claimed that Leinster's young starlet, Jamie Osborne, will be seen as one of the top rugby players in the world in 12 to 24 months.
The 22-year-old centre is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in the world and faces a battle to dislodge his Leinster and Ireland teammate, Gary Ringrose.
Osborne, who stands at 6 feet 3 inches and weighs over 14 stone, has been Ringrose's replacement at inside centre and has stood out in wins over Leicester Tigers and La Rochelle while the latter overcomes his injury troubles.
Ringrose is expected to return soon and retain his partnership with Robbie Henshaw in midfield. However, D'Arcy believes that Jamie Osborne has the talent to shine for his province and country and remain there.
"At the moment, I would pick Jamie Osborne and Robbie Henshaw (at centre)," said D'Arcy to RTE Sport
"That might seem a little harsh on Garry Ringrose, and it is, but there’s nothing to suggest that you would split them up at the moment...
"There’s a lot to be excited about Jamie Osborne; he brings something that not every player in the Irish outside backs has—a little air of unpredictability."
Jamie Osborne, right, and backs coach Andrew Goodman during a Leinster Rugby captain's run at the RDS Arena in Dublin. (Photo By Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)D'Arcy, who knows a thing or two about playing in midfield for province and country, also states that Osborne is so good that it is only a matter of time before the Leinster star is seen as one of the world's best rugby players.
"In 12 to 24 months, we will be talking about him as one of the top rugby players in the world.
"He is just an absolute Rolls Royce of a player; his decision-making is with the ball in hand; he’s 6 feet 3 inches. You can’t coach a guy to be big.
"When you have a player like that who has all the skillsets, rugby is simply: you catch the ball, you either pass, kick, or run and he has all of that ability on the ball.
"As the next 12 months roll through, we will see him pushing for a [regular] starting place with Leinster and probably into the national team."
Leinster play the Stormers on Saturday evening in Cape Town (6:05 pm Irish time).
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