Fintan Dowling made his U18 debut a year ahead of schedule last weekend against Newcastle Falcons U18. The forward who plays 6, 7 or 8 came on at halftime when his team were 14-0 down and made an immediate impact. His eight tackles and five ‘carries’ facilitated his teams comeback, in which they drew 14-14 at the final whistle. This was the teams first draw of the season having lost their previous three games. No doubt they will be looking for their first victory of the season when they play Leicester Tigers on the 3rd February.

Fintan has been working tirelessly over the last 24 months to achieve his goals. He worked significantly on his form and technique across all movement patterns, and now is working hard in the gym to make sure he has sufficient strength to enable him to progress in the game. His strength and conditioning this winter has primarily focused on muscular endurance, shoulder and hip stabilisation, and will look forward to the summer where the training principles change to more power and explosive exercises. Now weighing in at 103kg at seventeen years of age, he is not far away from reaching his desired weight for his position, where he will then focus on improving the technical aspects of his sport, and hopefully, touch wood, stay injury free for as long as possible. Keep up the good work, Fintan.

Full Results at Premiership Rugby – U18 Academy League