Ireland and Leinster player Jordan Larmour joined Off The Ball to discuss his development of the skills required to make it as a full back and what he has learned from Rob Kearney.
As with any sportsperson brought to a halt by the coronavirus pandemic, Jordan Larmour had to find ways of focusing the mind until rugby returned.
The 23-year-old Leinster and Ireland back had been enjoying another productive year with the province, while Andy Farrell's reign as Irish head coach had gotten off to a bit of a slower start.
Nevertheless, with a return to action in sight for both teams now, Larmour explained to Off The Ball how he has been able to put back into action his plans at mastering the role of a full-back.
"This season I have been playing a lot at #15," he explained, "training a lot at #15 and I'm getting more comfortable with the demands placed on you there.
"But when you play as a ball-player and play-maker primarily, it definitely doesn't come naturally to me to take the conservative option which you sometimes have to at #15.
"I am a player who is more comfortable running with the ball in hand. So, it is a skill I have been working on and talking to the coaches about.
"I've been trying it at training, stepping up and making a few calls to become more comfortable in that role. With some of the players we have in Leinster, I can just watch them and see how they do it.
"It has been challenging and I've got things wrong a few times, but it is all about learning."
We spoke to @JordanLarmour about learning from @KearneyRob, Stuart Lancaster and life in lockdown!@VodafoneIreland #TeamOfUs https://t.co/ycokMoxBPe
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) August 13, 2020
Yet, as a Leinster player Larmour is acutely aware of what he can learn from the man who has made the #15 jersey his own for province and country.
"He has been a really big help to me and my development, especially at 15," remarked Larmour of what he has taken from watching Rob Kearney. "I just try to pick his brain and see how he does things.
"I grew up watching him and he's a class act on and off the field. Working with him has been great and it allows me to see how I can improve. He has been a huge help from me and I just want to keep learning from him."
The Dublin native isn't taking anything for granted, however, and remains aware that his mentor Kearney is as much a competitor still.
"The big thing we have in Leinster is a competition for places and that drives standards," he said. "I think it is really important to have that."
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