Dublin University Football Club (DUFC) Men’s lock Ryan Baird has come in for some kind words this week, after former Irish rugby international Jerry Flannery described him as a “serious player”.
Flannery, who has 41 caps for Ireland, was speaking on Baz and Andrew’s House of Rugby, a podcast series run by JOE.ie.
Flannery, also formerly of Munster, cited Baird’s involvement with Leinster and Ireland under-20s as proof of his potential.
Baird was part of the Ireland under-20 squad that travelled to Argentina this summer for the World Rugby under-20 Championship. He was joined by four other DUFC clubmen – Tom Clarkson, Rob Russell, Liam Turner and Max O’Reilly. Ireland ultimately finished the tournament in eighth place after losing the seventh place play-off to New Zealand. Baird scored one of Ireland’s three tries in that match.
Baird also played a role earlier this year as Ireland’s under-20s won a Six Nations Grand Slam earlier this year. Ireland defeated Wales to claim the championship.
Baird has previously represented Ireland at under-18 Schools and under-19 level.
Baird has not featured for DUFC yet this season due to his involvement with Leinster A in the Celtic Cup.
Baird featured in numerous games last season for DUFC, helping them reach the semi-finals of the All-Ireland League (AIL) Division 1. Baird was absent when DUFC fell to a 23-3 in their last four tie away to Cork Constitution – the side that went on to win the league.
After a poor start to this year, which featured losses to both University College Cork and University College Dublin, Tony Smeeth’s DUFC got their league campaign back on track on Saturday with a convincing 39-17 win over Limerick side Garryowen. Tries from Ronan Quinn, Colm Hogan, James Hickey, Arthur Greene and Russell were enough to help Trinity to a first league win of the season.
In two weeks time they take on Lansdowne away in what will no doubt be a difficult encounter.
