Noted scrummager earns his reward

The pedigree suggested a fast track to success but for Angus McKeen the ultimate recognition, a place in the senior national squad, eluded him for a decade. Until last Saturday night, in fact, when the 30-year-old Lansdowne prop was handed a coveted place in the Ireland squad for the forthcoming World Cup.

From his school days at King's Hospital, McKeen earned a reputation as a fearsome scrummager, one that earned him caps at Ireland Schools, Under-21 and Colleges level.

His steady climb through the representative levels included a tour with an Ireland Development squad in July and August of 1993 that included seven matches in Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa. Ireland won six of the seven but for young McKeen it was a frustrating experience in terms of "pitch time" as he endured a secondary role behind a young UCC student, Paul Wallace.

"Wally got the majority of the games and you know how well he has progressed since then," laughs McKeen. There is not a trace of resentment in the Drogheda-born player's voice when he reflects upon a career that before Saturday had seen him stalled, just short of senior international level.

"I suppose it is always there in the back of your mind that you might go no further. There were times when it was frustrating but you just keep grinding away," he says. Although a noted scrummager, McKeen's contribution in other facets of the game in the past failed to match his work in the tight and that basically prevented his accession to the highest level. Not any more! Irish coach Warren Gatland required a strong scrummaging tighthead who would allow him rest Wallace during the World Cup and so McKeen became the fifth prop in the WC squad.

"Scrummaging in definitely my main strength, that and the other set piece play. I've always enjoyed that aspect of the game. From the time I was young I enjoyed that one-on-one competition."

Leinster coach Mike Ruddock welcomed McKeen's elevation. "It's richly deserved. He's an outstanding prop and I am delighted for him. He's never going to score three or four tries but what he will do is give you a strong scrum, provide the angles from which to attack off the base and basically fulfill all those less glamorous duties. Technically he's a very good prop."

Training with the national squad last week McKeen had been aware of the speculation regarding his possible inclusion but refused to dwell on the matter, preferring to concentrate on the physical demands of the sessions. "When you start expecting then you are simply setting yourself up for disappointment if you fail to make it.

"It was easier to focus on the training and wait until the call-up actually materialised. It's been very easy to fit in with the national squad. There is a natural camaraderie and I am really enjoying it.

"My immediate goals? I suppose to try and get as many games as possible during the World Cup, whether that means starting or coming on. The priority in terms of the team will be to get out of the group and after that anything is possible. Romania and the USA are the games which we must win while as the tour showed we can compete with Australia."

The World Cup can not come quickly enough for McKeen and whether centre stage or in the wings, the Lansdowne man will enjoy the experience.