MUNSTER CENTRE SAM Arnold believes the experience of being involved in Joe Schmidt’s rigorous Ireland camp prior to the Six Nations is a stepping stone to international honours
Arnold gave a superb display and scored two tries for Munster in their 33-5 bonus point PRO14 victory over Zebre at Thomond Park last weekend.
The 21-year-old former Ulster back travelled with the Ireland squad to Spain for their warm-weather Six Nations training camp, and he was also involved in their preparations for the French game at Carton House.
“It was a really good experience. It was great to be up there and get a feel for the environment during a match week, the guys were unbelievable. They helped me out a lot up there,” said Arnold.
“It was good to have the older heads around, like Murray and Earlsie there as well. If I had a question they would be the first lads I would go to and ask. It was awesome to have them and obviously Pete as well. There is no better man to ask than Pete as well.
“I had a good chat with Andy Farrell when I was there. I have spoken to Joe. I think I know what Joe wants me to do going forward.
“I sat down with Andy when I was there and we discussed what I need to do to try and take my game to the next level, so I would have that in the back of my mind when I am playing, 100 percent.”
Arnold, who also starred for Ireland at U-20 level, has scored five tries in seven appearances for Munster this season.
Munster travel to take on Cardiff Blues at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday and he is determined to put in another noteworthy display to keep his place in the team.
“It is always nice to get a couple of tries. I was actually pretty disappointed that I turned the ball over a few too many times,” said Arnold.
“The main thing for me is that we are winning and that we are getting bonus points. We are working with new combinations as well at the minute, so it is great to see guys getting chances.
“They are three international players I’m competing with, Jaco Taute, Chris Farrell and Rory Scannell, they are quality players, but we would be a very close knit teams as well.
“Guys know if they slip up there is someone there to slot straight back in and I think it is important to have that kind of pressure environment within the squad.
“You like at the depth of the French teams and a team like Saracens for example would have, I think we are starting to get that now. It is important to have that competition, but I think it would be rare that five of us are fit at the same time.”
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I agree with Ryan’s call to leave him off the panel. The manager sets out his rules at the start of the year and it’s up to the players to follow them. Why should he get preferential treatment just because he is one of their stand out stars? Coady has had the same approach in kilkenny for years and that’s worked well. Missing the opportunity to win an all Ireland medal this year should hurt him enough to spur him on for next year, to fight for his place and stick to the rules.
@d: or turn him off hurling altogether.
@John: If it turns him off he doesn’t have the passion and love for the sport that you need to give 100% so in that case the tipp panel are definitely better off without him.
@d: i wouldnt have the passion if i knew another player on the panel who has done worse is left on it. Every1 should get the same treatment. But it seems there is some rules for some and none for others.
@John: I agree with you there, should be the same rules for everyone. But only the manager and players know the true in’s and out’s of what actually happened so you have to trust the managers call in that situation in my opinion.
@John: there is some cryptic stuff there?? Who done worse?? Doubt if I think what it is is actually worse tbh
@John: we dont know whats going on behind closed doors…so u cant compare one with the other…
If a player has broken a team behaviour code that the rest of the panel has adhered to.There has to be a penalty or else you lose the dressing room. Why is the debate about pressure on the manager. The manager kept his end not the player in question. I admire Ryan for his stance (easier said then done)
@DB: what did he do?
More than drinking obviously????
@Seamus McSpud: No on the beer with the man gave this article that’s the word on the street
Couldn’t disagree more. Speak for yourself James.
@Ewan Scott: Exactly. Although the county board would probably want him back to get some value for the money he’s after costing them.
Michael Ryan deserves backing here especially from former players who should appreciate rules are rules. Very easy to take this populist approach from outside the bubble. But it has no value.
Why would an ex player like woodlock come out and say this… stirring crap in the public… he as a recent player should know what goes on behind closed doors…. michael ryan os doing what he feels best… and fair play to him.. woodlock should not be speaking out in public like this… hes bang out of order… he should be getting behind the team…hes played with enough of them
@David Costello: must be personal if he is stirring shite. Not right as you say from a former player unless he has an agenda
@David Costello: he’s getting paid for to write articles and give interviews. He’s Probably just trying to drum up a bit of controversy for the sake of his own pockets.
@David Costello:
That typical Tipp really.
Think they have a divine right to all Irelands but better at talking about it and critiquing each other and everybody else
@Seamus McSpud: i take exception at that comment…. as a tipp man i dont feel tipp have a divine right to an all ireland….yes there can be inhouse criticism, over the top at times… we aint kk or kerry who are or have been in all irelands on a regular basis…
@Anne Moloney: one player doesnt make his team…mick ryan is in a no win situation… if we lose sun week….people will be on his back over it…. he has put the rumours to bed last night…time to get on with supporting the team…. dont need ex players stirring shite
Are all the other players going by the rules if so fair enough if not then there could be a problem if Tipp win all is forgotten if they loose we will have very angry Tipp supporters
@Anne Moloney: If those angry supporters can’t accept why he’s not on the panel then it says more about them.
@Mick Power: Bang on – They’re only sunshine supporters if that’s the case
@John Fitzpatrick: It was woodlock and himself on the beer in the first place why he was showing the door.
@Anne Moloney: your obviously referring to the gk…. his situation is totally different….barrett broke the teams code of conduct… obviously on more than one occasion…. mick ryan is towing the line and sticking to his principles…
It’s only an armature sport the players should do want they want like everyone else we all have to go to work on Monday morning they train like professional other sporting players and get nothing for it only the gas getting richer