"Structure" – that's what stands out for Patreece Bell when asked the biggest difference between the Irish set-up and what he's experienced so far.
London-born, Isle of Man-raised, the Sale Sharks prop finished his schooling in Lancashire, and qualifies for Ireland thanks to Co Down grandparents.
The 19-year-old tighthead joined the Premiership outfit’s development squad back four years ago, has been loaned out for game time, and in 2021 played under-18 for England.
He’s been around the block.
"I’d say the structure is massive here, it feels like you are playing rugby with a purpose a lot more," Bell, who will win his second cap on his first start tomorrow evening against Wales, told RTÉ Sport.
"[It's] a lot more planned in what we do and it’s sort of easier when there’s a script to follow.
"We trained with the first team last week in Dublin and one of the big messages was staying calm in everything we do, our process.
"That sort of stuck with me, not being frantic, getting into position, our lineout calls, the systems, and just being calm. That's probably my biggest learning"
Bell is one of two IQ [Ireland-qualified] players in Richie Murphy’s squad alongside team-mate Will Wootton.
He explained how he got picked up by the programme.
"Ireland started to watch a few on my games on loan, Sedgley Tigers in England, and basically invited me over to camp.
"I grew up in the Isle of Man, moved to a boarding school in England aged 15 or 16, to a boarding school in England called Kirkham so I could get more rugby time because rugby is limited in the Isle of Man.
"There’s a Sale development programme in the Isle of Man and I got trials there, went over to England and got selected for the academy."
Bell won his first cap off the bench in Ireland's 23-22 win over Italy last time out and says he can’t wait to get his first start.
"I’m buzzing for the opportunity," he added.
"I grew up watching Ireland with my grandad since I was a kid so I’ve always wanted to play for Ireland.
"It's been class. I’ve been welcomed well so I’ve enjoyed coming over here and experiencing a different type of environment.
"It’s also fun to be around, not just rugby, rugby.
"We had two captains [Gus McCarthy, 2023, and Rueben Crothers, 2022] from previous years who came in and shared their experience with us and I thought that was a nice touch."
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