Leinster winger Dave Kearney believes that new Ireland head coach Andy Farrell will create a less intense atmosphere during his time with the national team.
During former head coach Joe Schmidt’s reign many complained that the atmosphere was too intense with many players appearing to look unhappy with the way things were run.
However, Kearney is looking forward to a change with the set-up, as he looks set to part of the team following a brilliant start to the season.
“Some people don’t like that really intense environment where every mistake you make in training or in meetings or anything like that is scrutinised. Players react differently. I think going forward [it’ll be] a more relaxed environment, less intense. Every player is going be able to express themselves a bit more. The atmosphere was good. We’ll be playing a different game than what we were used to so that is exciting. Like anything new, there are always nerves there because everyone wants to get picked. But there’s excitement because it is new and everyone wants to be a part of it,” he said while speaking to The Irish Times.
Kearney was one of a number of Leinster players to be called up to the session, with many of the others making their first appearances in the Irish set-up and the winger is looking forward to having the new faces in.
“We didn’t really do that much rugby wise, more our general shape and getting guys up to speed. There are a few things that the coaches want to change. It’s making sure that everyone is on the same page. You have new faces coming in there, lads who have never really been around that environment or met some of the coaches. It’s obviously important for them too,” he added.
However, despite being excited by the new faces, Kearney admitted it was sad that brother Rob wasn’t called up to the squad, but believes that he can add to his 95-caps to date.
“Obviously it is tough for him and I know how it feels [to be left out]. It’s tougher for my parents; they are congratulating one but not the other. Rob is still playing well, he’s still fit and he still feels good. I don’t think that it is a closed book for him. Lots can happen, there is still a lot of rugby to be played and I think he can still easily get back in and push forward again,” he finished up.
Things are looking good for Kearney at the moment, with form on his side and appearing to be in serious contention for a starting spot in green come the start of the Six Nations.
Although before then he will be hoping to continue helping Leinster maintain their impeccable start to the season and will be looking for another chance to impress when Connacht travel to the RDS on Saturday.
