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Leicester Tigers add English-qualified Ireland U20s centre Kelly
By Online Editors
Leicester Tigers have landed Ireland Under-20s international Dan Kelly, who will join the club ahead of the 2020/21 season. The midfielder, capable of playing at inside and outside centre, is currently playing for Loughborough Students.
Born in Manchester, Kelly is both Irish and English-qualified and was a member of the Sale Sharks academy from 2017-19. Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy expressed delight at the acquisition of the promising young back.
“Dan is a no-nonsense, talented young player who we are delighted to have joining the club next season,” said Murphy. “He has been one of the stars for Loughborough Students this season after impressing on his way up the ranks of the game.
“His call-up to the Irish 20s was well deserved and helped to add to his progression which we are confident he will continue with us in Leicester from next season.”
Kelly, who has lived with and played alongside Tigers players Freddie Steward, Jonny Law and Joe Browning at Loughborough in recent years, said he was impressed by what he had seen of the club in conversations with Murphy ahead of agreeing to the move.
“It’s not just a professional club, it’s one with such history behind them and the overall culture is the point of difference,” said Kelly. “They breed success over the years and hopefully I can follow in the footsteps of those who have been before me.
“They are building something special at Tigers, you can tell, and the demands are that if you are lucky enough to be there, you’re there for a reason and have got to put 100 per cent and always do everything you can to improve yourself and improve Leicester as a collective.”
Kelly’s addition follows the confirmed signings of fellow backs Nemani Nadolo and Zack Henry.
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It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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