James Blanchfield has hailed Tim Corkery’s Leinster debut as a “proud” day for Kilkenny Rugby Club.
Corkery came off the bench in Leinster’s 17-point victory away to Zebre on Friday night and Kilkenny Rugby Club PRO Blanchfield was full of praise for the Kilkenny man.
He said: “It’s credit to Tim. Everything he has achieved is down to his own hard work. It’s brilliant for Kilkenny Rugby Club as well because Tim worked his way the whole way up from U8 through the ranks at the club and we’re all really proud.”
The Kilkenny man also stressed the importance of Corkery’s ascension to younger members of Kilkenny Rugby Club.
“It shows that there is a pathway to Leinster Rugby and it’s brilliant for everyone at the club to know that they can work their way to the Leinster senior side,” said Blanchfield.
Blanchfield heralded Leinster’s approach of scouting players from provincial clubs saying that it has created a pathway for players to make the senior ranks with the province.
“Leinster have made an effort to spread their wings and look at the provincial clubs like ourselves so players at these clubs are getting the exposure that they deserve.”
The Kilkenny Rugby Club PRO outlined the long-term goal for everyone associated with the sport in the county.
“The objective for the club is to grow the sport in the schools in Kilkenny. We’re one of the only counties who doesn’t have a public-school rugby team so that’s something that we would hope to improve on.”
Blanchfield went on to clarify who will get to play rugby before the year is over.
“We’re hoping to get the younger kids back training before the end of the year, but I think adult rugby will probably not go ahead at all this year which is unfortunate.”
