Ultan Dillane is nearing an end to a remarkable season, but has his sights set on another piece of history.
Ireland get their three-Test tour of South Africa underway in Cape Town on Saturday (4pm Irish time) and the Connacht second row could add another chapter to a season that will live long in the memory.
The rookie made 19 appearances in the Guinness Pro12 as Connacht claimed their first-ever piece of silverware and his rampaging performances caught the of Joe Schmidt ahead of the Six Nations campaign..
England felt the full force of his short, but effective debut at Twickenham as a second half substitute and the French-born player is being tipped for a long and illustrious career if he continues the same rate of progress.
Dillane’s all-action physicality will be severly tested in the unforgiving environment of South Africa and the player himself says that while it has been a whirlwind season, he is focussed on the next challenge.
“It’s been a bit surreal, I haven’t had too much time for it to sink in, but I’m enjoying every step of it,” he admitted to RTÉ Sport.
Has the tour put a premature end to his celebrations with Connacht after their glorious victory over Leinster in Murrayfield?
“I don’t mind too much. The boys celebrated for me I think. Everyone gets their breaks at some stage, I’ll eventually join them in Galway.”
If the six foot six inch lock plays in all three Tests in South Africa, it will match his current haul of international caps and despite the long season, is itching to be part of a history-making tour.
In 22 encounters with the Springboks, Ireland have claimed victory on five occasions, but are yet to taste success on South African soil.
"We’re buzzing to get a chance to play at Newlands and win there"
The 22-year-old is eagerly awaiting the chance to tackle a side “known for having that brutality and physicality” and relishing the opportunity to take to the field at the iconic Newlands Stadium, which after Lansdowne Road, is the oldest rugby stadium in the world.
“It’s so exciting. It’s our first time here in 12 years. It’s our chance to win away in South Africa for the first time.
“It [Newlands Stadium] certainly has a bit of history. We’re buzzing to get a chance to play and win there.
“There’s a nice air of confidence in training so we’re looking forward to it.”
With the likes of Johnny Sexton, Luke Fitzgerald, Rob and Dave Kearney, Tommy Bowe, Josh van der Flier, Peter O'Mahony, Sean O'Brien and Simon Zebo all unavailable, Schmidt has called in-form Connacht pair Matt Healy and Tiernan O’Halloran into his injury-hit squad.
An international novice himself, Dillane understands the anticipation for his team-mates ahead of a potential international debut against the side ranked second in the world, but has no doubts that they can continue their excellent provincial form into the series.
“I can imagine the nerves they are feeling, but they are there on merit," he insisted.
“It’s unlucky on the injuries that happened I’m delighted to see fellow Connacht team-mates step up to the plate and I’m sure they will do brilliant.”
The fearless lock has volunteered to go shark diving on the squad’s down day tomorrow, with another daunting challenge just days away.
