IT’S PERHAPS NO great surprise that there’s an air of confidence around Dan Sheehan. At just 25 and in only his third full season as an international rugby player, the Leinster and Ireland hooker has achieved a lot, including a series win in New Zealand and last year’s Grand Slam title. He’s also regularly spoken of as one of – if not the – best hookers playing the game right now, layering an impressive ball-carrying and athletic ability on top of the nuts-and-bolts work of his position in Ireland’s front row.
Across his 23 Test caps to date, Sheehan has been on the winning side 20 times. Today’s Six Nations meeting with Wales will be Sheehan’s 12th cap on home soil, and he’s yet to be beaten while wearing the green jersey in Dublin.
It’s a remarkable record, made all the more interesting when you consider his path to this stage. Go back a few years to Sheehan’s time in the Leinster Academy, and you would have found a very different person.
“I’m not surprised by the last three or probably two years but before that I wouldn’t have had the confidence to think that I’d make it in pro rugby,” says Sheehan.
I probably lacked confidence as a teenager, probably saw myself as a decent club player who played with Trinity or whatever.”
Yet slowly, through the encouragement of those closest to Sheehan, his mindset began to change.
“Through parents, through family friends, through coaches that I have had who pulled me aside and said ‘I think you are better than what you think you are…’ and ‘you have the potential if you really wanted to go get it…’ so that’s probably been one of the biggest improvements in my game is probably my mindset and how I perceive myself.
“Stuart Lancaster sat me down when I was in the Academy in Leinster and said ‘I think you can go the whole way’ – which, at the time, I was probably uncapped and just sort of going through training in Leinster and playing AIL on Saturdays, which I was happy doing, and probably too happy to do. So I sat down after that and just thought, ‘Right, how do I get there?’
“So that was one thing that stands out in my mind. My old man would push me hard to be the best version of myself which, well he didn’t push me hard now, but he’d always just remind me that I could probably go to the next level.”
Now Sheehan stands as an important pillar of Andy Farrell’s Ireland team. He captained Leinster for the first time earlier this season and was touted as a potential outside candidate to succeed Johnny Sexton as Ireland captain, with former Ireland hooker Keith Wood among those giving Sheehan the vote of confidence, going as far as to label him “a generational talent.”
“It’s something [leadership] at the start of the season I wanted to improve in myself. I thought it was an area where I can step up. I’ve got a bit of experience now in the last three years of how teams work, how to message, how to speak what’s in my mind, because as a young player you have a lot of the answers in your head, but don’t know when the right time is to say it.
“It’s something I’ve tried to implement in my working week. It doesn’t have to be on game day, but there’s a lot of prep in the week, that I can take a bit more experience on, and make sure others or less experienced players are getting valuable information.”
Woods’ endorsement is just one example of the high praise which has come Sheehan’s way, with Brian O’Driscoll also crowning him “the best hooker in the world” last season.
Sheehan has had to learn how to manage those plaudits across his rise to the top of the game.
“I just do my thing,” Sheehan says. “I’m probably a slightly bit different from most conventional hookers over the last decade or so, which took me a while to understand that.
“I realised that I’m going to have to put my own spin on things so I’m getting to a point where I’m pretty comfortable in what I do, what I can provide, and how that fits in with the team. I’ve enjoyed being able to put my spin on the position. I have full confidence in my ability and my skillset, the work I put in during the week so I can perform on the weekend.
I would like to say I was [always] pretty calm. But it takes a while to get used to the big stage.
“I made my debut for Leinster in an empty RDS against Zebre and now to be playing these big international games in the Aviva, it’s different. I think it shows you little mistakes can cost you and that’s something you have to move on from and accept but I don’t think… It’s something we talk about a bit, don’t get in your own way, just have confidence for the weekend.”
The former Clongowes man has fast emerged as the early leader in the race to be top try-scorer in this year’s Six Nations, having crossed in the opening round win against France and added two more in the 36-0 filleting of Italy.
That attacking threat is the most eye-catching aspect of Sheehan’s game, but the hooker is fully aware his job description mainly focuses on providing a solid set-piece.
Ireland had lineout issues at the World Cup but have enjoyed a 100% success rate on their own throw across their opening two Six Nations fixtures, while the scrum has also held firm.
“Scrum was something I have taken a while to learn, coming from schools rugby into men’s underage is very different and then once you get to international rugby you can be found out.
“Two years in Twickenham we had a bad day in the scrum but luckily we won. They were down to 14 men but we just scraped the win and they are the sort of games that stand to you a little bit and show you the importance of set-piece.
It’s been going well for us in this campaign. It’s always going to be a work-on but I’m getting very comfortable in there and I feel like we can attack other teams.
“We saw it the other week against Italy, who performed well in the scrum on the first day and I thought we put it up to them.
“That’s one area [I'm focusing on]. Just with my around-the-pitch attack stuff, I like being in wider channels where maybe hookers haven’t really seen themselves, so I pride myself on being able to attack from whatever position I find myself in, whether it be the edge or in the ruck and carrying pick and goes.
“I like to feel that I can do everything.”
The statement is delivered with confidence, but Sheehan then quickly highlights that his current run of form won’t be enough to keep him at the top.
“You have to keep getting better. Individuals and teams are alway getting better. If I stay where I am for a year I am going to get swallowed up, something I’ll always look at is how to improve.”
As a Leinster fan, I’m sorry people have to put up with Dave Moron, a lot of his comments make me cringe. Just know some Leinster fans want to see all the provinces do well
@Rainbows In the Dark: no need to apologize for Moron… Just mute!
@Rainbows In the Dark: Why are you apologizing? I don’t see anyone apologizing for the clown@eircom
@Rainbows In the Dark: It’s okay. Every province has at least one. Think about it this way: doesn’t say much about his character (or his life) that he chooses to spend his time that way.
@Rainbows In the Dark: do you remember munstermicko? he used to be on here and was obviously (i hope) just someone taking the mick (sic) and playing a role as a stereotypical munster fan with the most one eyed pro-munster kremlin style nonsense (e.g. ‘last weekends 70-0 loss was just lulling next week’s opponents into a false sense of security’)…morоn above here though seems to be real…there are obviously also followers of the other provinces (cough…munster…cough) who are as bad…but as yet haven’t crawled out from under their bridge for this article
@Rainbows In the Dark: Munster fans should be apologising for making me watch Craig Casey whenever we play Italy or a meaningless friendly. I also actually like to see Connacht do well.
@Dave Moran: you should be apologising to us for subjecting us to look at your Grindr profile pic anytime you post
@mWhSNsK2: How do you know what a grindr profile picture looks like tony?
@Dave Moran: because I’ve seen your profile, duh!
@mWhSNsK2: and he keeps setting himself up :)
@Rainbows In the Dark: mute buttons were invented for lads like that.
@Bob Ashley: Duly muted. Goodbye Dave Moron
@Fintan O’Halloran: PLEASE DONT MUTE ME FINTAN. I BEG
@Rainbows In the Dark: No idea what he says as I have him muted a long time ago… along will Notphilyclever, Ray Ridge, John/Jim/Jack (or whatever) Doe along with a few other trolls
Really exciting 23, fantastic to see frawley and jager in there. Some really expolsive bench, I am jot normally a fan of 6-2 split but that’s some amount of power ready to be unleashed.
@chris mcdonnell: the inferences are: 1. Ringrose not fit, else he’d be 23. 2. Welsh props are inexperienced- good game to blood Jäger and also give Bealham family time. 3. Casey still not trusted. 4. Ireland are going to be very physical – and if they’re well in control, might wheel on 6 together. Only tweak would’ve been to start Conan to manage Doris’ game time. Let’s hope that if and when Stu comes on, that it’s tactical.
@chris mcdonnell:
My little pleasure this evening Chris is I muted that clown Dave moron
@John Google: ah well all like a little inter pro rivalry, our player is better than your play but when it’s an Ireland team going for a secind grandslam surely you have to get behind all the squad.
@John Google: Same, i’m glad that I did.
Bealham has, across 2022 November games, 2023 Six nations, RWC, in my opinion, had more stronger showings for Ireland than Furlong. He made Six Nations team of the tournament for a reason. I won’t presume to know the ins and outs, but I don’t get the understanding there in dropping him from the squad.
He was excellent against Italy too. The talk on House of Rugby and Off The Ball was almost “should he start instead of Furlong” this week.
@David Hickey: I think furlong could use a break. Ideally he’d be given a 6 month break like the ABs do. I know he’s had time off with injuries, but i don’t think that counts as actual rest.
@David Hickey: I don’t think he’s dropped. I’d say he’s given the week off to be with his newborn son
@David Hickey: ye, I agree, he’s been our best 3 for a good while. Doesn’t make sense to me.
@Petter Sellberg: ah, makes sense now
Not surprising to see Casey dropped after his horror show last week. Keenan is a big loss but great to see another Leinster man step up in the 15 shirt. Ireland by 27
@Dave Moran: there’s 23 irish rugby players in the squad.
@Dave Moran: spot the munster fan….oh wait (same bollix different colour)
@Dave Moran: Horror show indeed! A good case of seeing what you wanted to see. Watch the actual game again sometime or look at the stats and have a little nuance in your comments maybe moving forward.
@Dave Moran: by the logic, you must be happy to see Harry Byrne dropped to?
@John Ludgate: He was quite clearly was one of our worst players. Aimless box kicking and no control over the game. Maybe give it a rewatch yourself there. If he was so impressive you’d think he could make the 23 over a past it Conor Murray, no?
@mWhSNsK2: What does Harry Byrne have to do with the conversation. Why should Ireland’s 4th/5th choice FH make the 23?
@John Ludgate: OR… we could stop feeding the trolls!! The mute button is there for a reason.
@Dave Moran: why would Irelands 3rd choice scrum half?
@Dave Moran: “Horror show “? Surely you jest
@Dave Moran: why does it have to be about provincial bias…. Leinster aren’t playing so they are irrelevant. It’s an Irish lad getting a shot at fullback. Best of luck to him
@Dave Moran: I’d say watch it again Dave but I don’t think it would matter, you’re not interested in how he played, you’re only interested in bleeting like a sheep.
The rise and rise of Oli Jager!
They need to assert themselves At the breakdown, refell is one of the best in the business.
@Joseph O Reilly: We have four, Beirne, POM, Doris and VDF. You make a good point though.
@Joseph O Reilly: there were a few times against italy where nobody showed up at the breakdown…everyone heading to the next position… and refell can win it even when they do show up…so you’re right – but with VDF, POM and berine there should be a big improvement…
@Patrick Kennedy: Beirne is unmatched on opposition break down but Ryan can handle protecting our own alright!
@Ciaran Kennedy: yep and thats really one of the main things that ryan offers…but mccarthy is explosive and beirne is like a cheat code he’s that good so you can see why they are starting…baird/conan/ryan is a nice little group to have in reserve too
@Tom Reilly: A 7 with that kinda of jackal ability is more dangerous imo. Faster to the breakdowns, particularly from set piece where Byrne and PoM are either to involved to get away or on the wrong side. Deffo why AF has gone with JVDF. Goos tester, he’s been v quiet for a while now.
Still on for the never achieved before, Super Slam.
@Kingshu: Ssshhh,do you not remember the WC????,jaysus don’t jinx us
Absolutely formidable bench, effectively a 7-1 as Mccloksey is basically another back rower. Jager was always going to overtake Bealham, as size matter for a tight head in international rugby and Jager is far bigger than Bealham.
@Eoin H: Spot the Munster fan!! The fact you think Jager has overtaken Bealham is absolutely ridiculous. We’re playing Wales and he’s just had a child. Bealham will be back against England
@Eoin H: Bealham has done absolutely nothing wrong to be dropped and I thought Jager would still have a bit to prove. Farrell knows what he’s doing but it feels a bit harsh on Bealham there were talks of him starting ahead of furlong after the last match
@Leeeeroy Jenkins: I don’t think he was ‘dropped’ per se. Rather, family man Farrell is using this opportunity to let him spend time with his new baby and at the same time giving Jäger a chance to showcase what he can do. Good management yet again from Farrell. My only gripe would be that he’s not rested Dorris – we’ll need him at 100% vs England and Conan could do with another go at no 8.
@Dave Moran: I am a Leinster fan. If you watched Connacht enough this season, then you will know Aungier has actually been better than Bealham and will soon overtake him. Bealham was taken off at half time against Bordeaux he was so ineffective in the game. Jager is 28, should be Furlongs backup now and have a third young tighthead in the squad like Aungier, O Toole or Salanoa
@Dave Moran: Bealham is v close to furlong never mind being overtaken by jager
@Marcus: that makes a lot more sense thanks
@Eoin H: Aungier and Bealham have been close this year but internationals are completely different. Using your argument, Cathal Forde has been better for Connacht than Bundee, so he should be on the bench ahead of Mccloskey. Terrible point
@Eoin H: Bealham has been outstanding this 6N. Its a bit harsh on him. More likely that Farrell wants to get Jager his cap and see how he goes with alongside Kelleher and Porter / Healy. Jager has definitely proven his worth in the scrum but we have yet to see what he offers in the loose. Nothing the URC has to offer can compare to international rugby and his CC outings haven’t gone great in that regard.
@Eoin H: that’s premature based on Bealhams performances in green.
Glad Farrell is looking at Jager, but he is still unproven at this level. It’s early days to be calling for him to replace Bealham
@Eoin H: That old chestnut. I think it was Gavin Duffy or John Muldoon who said they felt Connacht players good days are underplayed and bad days focused on. You’ve ignored his great showing this past month in the Six Nations and Heineken Cup, and focused on a game 12 weeks ago.
@Paul Ennis: Yes, giving Jager some minutes in the 6 nations is very good coaching, I wouldn’t view it as a slight on Bealham at all.
@Eoin H: Finlay should be starting!
@Noel Howard: Only because Furlong is not as good as he was. Bealham is a very competent replacement but neither he or Furlong are young so imo we will need a younger TH come next World Cup. The hope is that Jaeger at 20+ stone can fill that position.
@Noel Howard: it’s a great problem to have , Bealham is international class and we have Jager and Aungier pushing up too – we can’t have enough good THs -
@Owen ODonoghue: it’s about building depth in a much needed position. Look at what age bealham and Furlong will be at next world cup. We won’t even get out customary quarter final knock out with a TH that age.
@Dave Moran: Lol! Wrong again Dave… in fairness you never tire of it.
@Thesaltyurchin: Salty… he will eventually get bored if everyone mutes him or at least stops replying to whatever nonsense he is spouting next
Is the Jager call tactical or is Bealham injured? He has been really good for Ireland over the past year or two – hard to believe that he would be dropped. We do need some depth at prop – but Healy has been preferred over Loughman – so I suspect Belham is carrying a knock.
The team picked shows a lot of respect for the Welsh and Gatland. It is good to see McCloskey getting picked. Presumably, if Crowley is injured or replaced, Frawley goes to outhalf and Henshaw to fullback.
@PatN: I would understand picking Mccloskey at 23 if ringrose was starting 13, but if a winger gets injured it will be henshaw on the wing with Bundee and Mccloskey in the centre (terrible against Italy last year).
@Dave Moran: I don’t disagree. Picking, for example, Byrne would have freed up Frawley to cover the entire backline and, based on the last match – having a higher percentage kicker on the field at the end may be desirable. Perhaps there is concern aboit Bundee’s fitness?
@Dave Moran: agreed, if a back 3 player gets injured who moves out there , I’m guessing Henshaw as he has some FB experience ( let’s not think back to England 2019 tho )
@PatN: I suspect he’s holding a baby
@Dave Moran: Your ‘memory placae’ has misplaced JGP playing there eh? That’s the pitfall of making things up David, it replaces things that actually happen.
@Owen ODonoghue: JGP is quick enough and good enough…..and they bring on Murray.
wow…bealham should consider himself a little unlucky – i thought he has been excellent…slightly surprised to see dorris in if there was any doubt about him since conan is so able…no complaints though – a very very good team…and a very very good bench…big chance for frawley
Jager has done nothing since arriving at Munster to justify international honours.
@conor carroll: He’s been hot and cold, had some moments, has looked solid tho, but you dont care eh Conor? just spewing it out lol
As my pal commented to me over a pint just now – “Is Oli part of the Jagerbomb squad”?
@Phil O’ Meara: i hope that was his last pint as he was about to get his coat…
Is there a stronger bench of forwards in world rugby. I don’t think there is.
@Tom Reilly: Tom, someone is flashing red and green lights trying to attract your attention ;)
@Patrick Kennedy: Mayo?
@Dave Murray: nah…they’d be pointing them in the wrong direction and wondering ‘what do we have to dooo to get their attention’…
@Patrick Kennedy: lol, excellent
Very happy with that 23! Bit harsh on Bealham, who’s been excellent, but does mean some gametime for Jagar who needs to be tested at this level.
@Andrew Slazenger: Just seen he’s a had a baby and is getting the week off
@Andrew Slazenger: makes sense…it just wasn’t mentioned during the week that he missed training (all the attention on dorris sitting it out and keenan obviously too)
I wonder what the conversation with Bealham was like. I thought his room was good.
@Cathal O’Brien: form
Super 23. Hoping nothing happens to Henshaw as I’m not a fan of the McK/Aki partnership. A lot of power to come in off the bench, and it will ultimately be the nail in the coffin for the Welsh boys. Perhaps I’ve missed it, but was there any update on Ringrose, or did he simply miss out on the squad?
I wonder,how does Tom o’Toole feel?
@Martin Dooley: i think he’s quite squishy in parts, but firm in others…
@Martin Dooley: pretty bad I would imagine but Jager has a higher ceiling imo. Farrell and POC know their players best. I would say at scrum practice Jager is makimg such an impact that they can’t ignore him.
Brilliant how a little bit of information left out can generate more traffic, nicely played journalists
Jäger in unproven even for Munster- very lucky imo
What has jager done to oust bealham
Absolute joke
@Derek Casserly: it’s called building depth. Look at the age profile of bealham and furlong come next world cup, and also take into account furlongs injury profile, then it will make sense.
Our depth at loosehead is not great
That must be Ireland’s heaviest ever bench? Massive potential impact, will McCloskey cover wing?
@Eoin G: even heavier with all those big lads sitting on it ;)
@Eoin G: I’m presuming JGP is covering wing.
@Patrick Kennedy: throw in Zebo and it carries real weight
@Paul Burke: him on one end – with casey on the other…everyone else stands up, casey goes into orbit