1
Rising Ulster star smashes Irish schools sprint records
By Josh Raisey
Ulster’s 18-year-old winger Aaron Sexton has broken both the senior boys’ 100- and 200-metre times at the All-Ireland Schools’ Track and Field Championships.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Ulsterman ran a time of 10.43 in the 100m and 20.69 in the 200m, smashing the 21.06 he ran at the World Under-20 Championships in Finland last year.
The video of Sexton running these times was shared by former Ulster and Ireland flanker Neil Best, who, like many Ulster fans, must be very excited for what the future holds for their player.
Sexton made his debut for Ulster as a 17-year-old in a pre-season match last August against Gloucester, but is yet to make his competitive debut for the Kingspan Stadium outfit. However, at 6ft 4ins, the teenager looks to be a very promising prospect.
The idea of Sexton and Jacob Stockdale occupying either flank for Ulster over the next decade is something that could make the province a real force in European rugby again.
This is Sexton running both races:
Something to excite @UlsterRugby fans @RugbyUlster_ @RavenhillRoar @UlsterRugbySP @UlsterRugby42 @TheRavensBeak #AaronSexton #BangorBullet #SUFTUM https://t.co/dAp2krA3mT
— Neil Best (@Best6Analysis) June 10, 2019
After being clocked running 37.8 kmph before, Sexton has been touted by many as the fastest man in Irish rugby, something that he only confirmed with these recent times.
While 10.43 seconds is an impressive time, especially given his size, it is by no means unique. In the southern hemisphere, a bidding war has opened up over New Zealand-born sprint sensation Edward Osei-Nketia. The 17-year-old dominated sports headlines in New Zealand media earlier this year for his exploits in track and field.
ADVERTISEMENT
He clocked a blistering personal best time of 10.19 seconds and he is already New Zealand’s fourth fastest sprinter.
Similarly, Australia Sevens recently signed sprint sensation Trae Williams, who has clocked a time of 10.13 in the 100m. Nonetheless, Sexton will still be up there with some of the fastest in world rugby.
WATCH: Episode one of The Academy, the six-part RugbyPass documentary series on how Leicester Tigers develop their young players
