NIYI ADEOLOKUN SAYS he never believed he’d become a pro rugby player – never mind get a call up to the latest Ireland squad.
The Connacht wing, 25, has been in brilliant form all year long and was rewarded last week when Joe Schmidt called to him in to Ireland’s mini camp at Carton House.
In his two seasons at Connacht, the former Trinity winger has yet to taste Champions Cup rugby, but he already has four tries from seven Challenge Cup starts to his name.
Barring injury he is certain to start against the mighty Toulouse on Saturday as Connacht make their return to the elite European competition, which will cap off a dream couple of weeks for the Dubliner.
“I got the call from Joe late on Saturday night, but I was chuffed to join up with the boys on Sunday. He tried to call me but my phone didn’t ring. I got a text then and I had to call him back,” said Adeolokun.
“He just said he wanted me to join up with the boys. I just couldn’t believe it. I was extremely nervous but delighted to link up with the lads.
“It was a bit intense, I had to learn the calls and moves very quickly. But it was still quite enjoyable and everyone was really supportive. I always have stuff to work on with Connacht, I have to keep doing that and get my work-rate up.
“A couple of years ago I’d never imagined I’d play for Connacht or play professional rugby let alone being called up for my country with the Irish guys. I was absolutely chuffed with that.
“But that’s not my main focus, I want to play for Connacht and do well. Anything that comes off the back of that is a bonus.”
Since his arrival at the club Adeolokun has been streets ahead of the rest of the squad when it comes to straight line speed. But now, another Dubliner appears to have taken his mantle.
Cian Kelleher was untouchable against Ulster with two tries for Pat Lam’s side, and Adeolokun has no issue playing second fiddle.
“Cian is absolutely electric. He has smashed the GPS record this season as well. He is so quick out of the blocks. I’m not too ashamed to say it, yeah he is a lot quicker than me this season.
“Since I’ve been here there has always been a lot of competition in the back three, and that hasn’t changed. Everyone is playing well. We were unfortunate to lose Matt Healy to injury, but Cian has come in and had a blinder on Friday night.
“This is going to be a great test against Toulouse, but we’ll be focused on doing our job. We know if we keep the ball and try to do what we do best that it will stand to us,” he said.
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Played Junior football with niyi. One of the best full forwards iv seen! Great lad ! Hope this works out for him
@Cormac O’Gara: Templeogue/Synge St? Great club.
Indeed. Hon Synge
Niyi a former De La Salle College lad. Sure he is practically a Dubliner!
cormac are u eoghans bro
He is a Dubliner Rob.
Happy for him. Great player. I hope he gets Canada gametime.
Who will play 11 v AB’s?
Kelleher?
Definitely should be given a chance against Canada but even training with the squad and getting used to that environment will improve him immensely.
Well done Connacht rugby for giving him his chance professionally.
Great player. Deserves his shot at it.
At last! with Luke gone and Zeebs at FB the 11 slot was looking very sparse. Niyi has the speed to carve the ABs.
Im an idiot.
Yeah, all blacks must be quaking in their boots now this news is out!!!
They’ll carve him a new one if they fancy it.
I’d have Matt Healy before him in the 11 shirt, as would most Connacht fans. But seeing Niyi before Christmas not even making the 23, to filling in for the injured starter Poolman and the reserve Carr in the New Year, to absolutely crushing it from Paddy’s day on, to scoring in the final, to an Ireland call up. . . has been great.
@Range Rover P38: I was recently looking at early 1900s census online where the head of the house had to fill in facts about his family members. The heading of one particular column read,Lunatic,Idiot or Imbecile. Now I know a lunatic is a mad person but maybe you could enlighten me as to the difference between an idiot and an imbecile. BTW Niyi would cause problems for any team in the world if he broke the tackle line.
An idiot is someone who opens eyes at 7 and comments on the 42 rugby without having a coffee first. Start brain before talking. Niyi plays 14. Has done for years. Nothing to do with 11.
@Range Rover P38: Ah don’t be so hard on yourself. Some wingers can switch sides easily enough; I think Bowe, Earls and D.Kearney have all played on both wings at some stage.
@Range Rover P38, ^^* lol, you da man
On a serious note I’m delighted about this signing. It’s not like the lad is a blow in. In the 14 slot for Connacht his finishing, and his creation greatly aided that Pro12 championship. The Ireland team is weak at 14…which is what I failed to say this morning, very early. He’s been absolutely fantastic and an inventive try scorer. Ireland have been very poor scoring tries.
So the phone coverage in Connacht is shocking then! Or had he a Galaxy Note 7 that had just exploded when Joe tried to call him!!!!
Well Niyi is on fire alright