Conan nearing his ultimate target after steady rise through the ranks

The value of covering Leinster schools rugby all these years comes in the form of Jack Conan. First sight of him was 2010, barrelling through Terenure and Blackrock defenders to inspire unlikely victories for St Gerard's, the small private Bray school.

Still only a fifth year, he was part of a never to be seen again crop that has already produced two professional rugby players (not to mention Hozier) as Steve Crosbie also recently made his debut at the RDS.

St Michael’s eventually stopped them but a year later Conan was phenomenal as St Gerard’s reached the semi-final, agonisingly losing to Roscrea in a match they really could have won.

The pathway into the academy and Ireland under-20s was clearly paved.

This 22-year-old player's rise has not been meteoric rather a gradual, inevitable progression that should eventually see him follow Jamie Heaslip into the number eight residency. Presuming Leinster keep hold of him. His power and skills in 11 outings this campaign doesn't make that a certainty at all.

Signed up short-term, he’s certainly put himself in the shop window for English and French clubs.

Attritional nature

That was the line of questioning; with so many backrowers in the stable, the wonder is how long Leinster can keep hold of them all.

The increasingly attritional nature of the sport certainly helps – Kevin McLaughlin being the latest forced under the knife. The flanker is gone for 12 weeks.

But along with Dominic Ryan, much like Jordi Murphy last season, Conan has certainly taken his opportunity.

“Obviously when I was sitting down last year to think about my future, all options I had to weigh up. I know I am in a very difficult position with a lot of quality players around me but I kind of backed myself. I wanted to take my opportunity, take my shot and see how I went. Glad I did.”

It was the Edinburgh game last October that he really looked like he belonged at this level, certainly in the physical stakes.

“It is a bit of a waiting game. I suppose that was the wait and see bit because training is different to a match. To deliver on the day is completely different.

“I think taking your opportunities when you do get that chance to play you realise that you are able to play at the standard and the level that is expected of you.”

Murphy's progress from Leinster shadows to Twickenham is an example of just how close Conan is to the next level. Robin Copeland and CJ Stander were the direct opponents on St Stephen's Day; it will be Robbie Diack and the Ulster backrow this Saturday.

“I suppose you can’t worry too much about who is lining up against you.

“You have to focus on your own actions, make your hits, make your carries. They are going to do what they are going to do and you have to stop them as much as you can. I suppose if someone is running at me it is my job to tackle them, nothing else.”

Perform

“I expect another physical match, we know what they are going to bring to the table. It’s a chance for us to right a few wrongs and perform at a level that we are happy with.

“If you look back two weeks ago against Connacht we were a lot better so we’ll try to emulate that a bit more come Saturday.”

Conan is the second best number eight in Leinster and has every right to believe he can be the starting number eight at most clubs in Europe.

“It’s all about playing but at the moment I’m happy where I am. I think I’m doing well in the position I’m in at the moment and it’s not something I’m going to worry about for another year or two. At the moment I’m here and I’m happy so.”