ALTHOUGH criticised in some quarters, the recent Emerging Ireland Tour has proved a worthwhile exercise for Munster’s Calvin Nash, who is now part of the senior set-up for the upcoming Bank of Ireland Nations Series fixtures against South Africa, Fiji, and Australia.
The Young Munster clubman started in a couple of last month’s matches in South Africa, scoring in the opener against Griquas.
Speaking about his first selection by coach Andy Farrell to the Ireland senior squad, Nash said: “I was shocked, to be honest. Just delighted”.
“I told my girlfriend straight away and she was actually crying. I was telling her to relax. But it was great. My family are very proud of me, so I’m delighted.”
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“This year the lads have been out and, with Emerging Ireland as well, I’ve had a lot of games. Beside the two pre-season games, I have three or four games already, which is really good.
“I feel like I’ve been able to have a flow to my game and stay in it that way.
“I did have a good bit of self-belief that I did have the potential to get to Ireland. I just wondered when it would be or would I get the opportunity to represent Ireland or even get up to camp.
“With Emerging Ireland happening just a few weeks ago my main thought was to just get into main camp and try to make that a routine and then get the first cap. It came quicker than I thought it would, but I am delighted.”
“I was obviously really nervous coming up to the Emerging Ireland squad because I had never really been involved from U-20s on.
“Getting to learn the calls, how the lads are playing, it made coming in here a lot easier and I felt happy with how I went.”
