Irish rookie Craig Gilroy ‘has X-factor to be a Lion’

Craig Gilroy has the type of X-factor that could see him go from international novice to Lions starter within a season according to one of the stars of the last successful tour.
Jeremy Davidson had only 12 caps when called up to the 1997 tour to South Africa but defied the odds to start all three Tests alongside Martin Johnson and win the player’s player of the series award.
Compared to Gilroy, Davidson was a veteran but the flying winger’s dream start to his international career this autumn – scoring four tries including one memorable score against Argentina – has pushed him into contention for Warren Gatland‘s squad.
Gatland himself was forced to concede: “He was outstanding, so he has put himself into contention – some guy has put his hand up and made you sit up and take notice.”
Having coached Gilroy in his early years at Ulster, Davidson insists he is exactly the sort of player who could take Australia by storm.
He said: “Craig is an unbelievable talent and has that X-factor you want in your wingers. He’s been phenomenal for Ireland this autumn and if you look at the Lions he’s exactly the sort of person you’d take a chance on.
“He’s the type of person I’d take and he could sneak into the Test team.
“When I first worked with him at Ulster I knew he was outstanding, but I didn’t know how long it would take for him to break through.
“He only really came through at Ulster when he was 19, so he’s made that step-up very quickly. I’ve never seen somebody with the ability to beat a man that Craig has.
“When he was playing for Ulster’s A team or for the Ireland U20s everyone took notice of him. He could create something out of nothing and it was clear he was a phenomenal talent.
“What is great as well is that he’s got that confidence on and off the pitch, he’s so dedicated in training and he has that charisma around the squad which makes it easier to perform at each new level.”
The ties between Davidson and Gilroy are not just limited to two at Ulster – both learned their trade at Belfast’s Methodist College.
While Davidson remains the college’s most famous son, coming through under the tutelage of legendary rugby coach Davy Wells – the head of rugby for more than 30 years at the Belfast school – Gilroy is part of a new generation along with Paddy Jackson and Paul Marshall.
In his final year Davidson played in almost every position in the pack – but even by those standards Wells’ decision to try the diminutive Gilroy at flanker seems outlandish.
However Davidson is adamant that the Ulster winger could not have had a greater mentor.
“At that age to have such a comprehensive rugby knowledge with Davy mentoring you is phenomenal,” said Davidson – now coaching Aurillac in the French second division. “He likes to try things out, I played at loosehead, tighthead, in the second row and at No.8 in my last year.
“So, it’s no surprise that he tried Craig in the back row, he has a very open mind and will take a few gambles.
“He’s a legend at ‘Methody’ and when you look at the players who have come through you can see why.”
PAUL EDDISON