‘I know I can do the stuff out wide, that’s the easy stuff. But getting in amongst it and doing the dirty stuff, it’s something I’ve been trying to push forward’
Leinster's Max Deegan in a URC match against the Sharks at the RDS, Dublin, on October 28th, 2023. Photograph: Bryan Keane/Inpho Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Bryan Keanein the victory over the Sharks, an occasion the number eight further embellished with his 29th try for the province, an impressive strike rate in any context.
Deegan won two man-of-the-match awards and scored tries in wins over New Zealand and Argentina and the defeat to England. A brilliant athlete, he had the pace and footwork of a back – he once formed a centre partnership at underage level with Jordan Larmour while playing underage rugby with Wanderers – coupled with a predatory size that thrived in the open spaces.
There was one further stumbling block – he needed to become more effective in the close-quarter duels around the rucks. He’s been diligent in developing that aspect of his game. “Yeah, it’s something I have been working hard on, not just the physical aspect of it but thinking ‘get in amongst it’ because I know I’m strong.
Emerging Ireland's Max Deegan in action against Windhoek Draught Griquas at Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa, on September 30th, 2022. Photograph: Steve Haag/Inpho “I learned a lot and gained a lot from it. Obviously captaining over there was fantastic because I was working so closely with the coaches like Simon , Paulie , Fogs and Catty . It was a great way to get back in the mix and I really enjoyed it. It obviously led into that Autumn Nations period where I felt really good.”
He’s comfortable with a leadership role, especially now surrounded by a younger cohort in the opening throes of the URC. “I enjoy being a leader in the team but when it comes to that leadership it’s ensuring that I’m focusing on myself and making sure my own game is right, first and foremost, before I start going around telling people what to do. I have to set the standard from the outset, and then, off the back of that, to lead them.
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