McElroy joins Saracens, the current European champions, after being recruited by Mike Ruddock to play for Lansdowne RFC in the Ulster Bank League.
In a statement via his agent, McElroy said it was a tough decision to leave Ireland but insisted he ’100% knows’ it’s the right one as he looks to continue his development.
“Just wanted to say I am over the moon to have signed with Saracens for the next year,” he said.
“It was a tough decision to leave Ireland but I know 100% it is the best environment for me to test myself and develop as a player at the moment.
“I want to thank everyone in Dundalk RFC for all the support and coaching over the years and all the underage coaches I have worked with in Leinster Youths, Leinster and at Ireland U20s. A big thanks to Mike Ruddock and Lansdowne for picking me out of Dundalk and giving me the shot to play AIL rugby. I hope I repaid that faith.
“Finally, a big thank you to my agent Niall Woods who made this happen for me.”
McElroy featured in all five of Ireland’s U20 Six Nations games in 2017 and made a big impression in the front row as he scored three tries.
Saracens academy manager, Mike Hynard said: “Tadgh is a highly-rated prospect and we’re very happy that he will be joining our academy system. He’s a powerful player, a very good ball-carrier and is strong at the set-piece.
“We’re looking forward to helping Tadgh settle in at Saracens and help him fulfil his potential both on and off the field.”
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Ireland U20s hooker McElroy completes move to Saracens
SARACENS HAVE ANNOUNCED the signing of Ireland U20 hooker Tadgh McElroy on a deal which will see the Dundalk native join the club’s senior academy.
The 19-year-old was last week removed from Ireland’s squad for the Junior World Championship in Georgia as a move to England inched closer.
McElroy joins Saracens, the current European champions, after being recruited by Mike Ruddock to play for Lansdowne RFC in the Ulster Bank League.
In a statement via his agent, McElroy said it was a tough decision to leave Ireland but insisted he ’100% knows’ it’s the right one as he looks to continue his development.
“Just wanted to say I am over the moon to have signed with Saracens for the next year,” he said.
“I want to thank everyone in Dundalk RFC for all the support and coaching over the years and all the underage coaches I have worked with in Leinster Youths, Leinster and at Ireland U20s. A big thanks to Mike Ruddock and Lansdowne for picking me out of Dundalk and giving me the shot to play AIL rugby. I hope I repaid that faith.
McElroy featured in all five of Ireland’s U20 Six Nations games in 2017 and made a big impression in the front row as he scored three tries.
Saracens academy manager, Mike Hynard said: “Tadgh is a highly-rated prospect and we’re very happy that he will be joining our academy system. He’s a powerful player, a very good ball-carrier and is strong at the set-piece.
“We’re looking forward to helping Tadgh settle in at Saracens and help him fulfil his potential both on and off the field.”
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Big Chance futureisgreen On the Move tadgh McElroy Saracens U20 RWC