As the United Rugby Championship gets underway this weekend, the Kilkenny College community will have a particular interest in three former pupils and boarders preparing for the new campaign.
Sean Naughton, Stephen Smyth and Charlie Tector have all come through the school before progressing into professional rugby, with the trio now involved with Connacht and Leinster.
Sean Naughton — Connacht
Kildare native Sean Naughton, from the Class of 2023, has spent the last number of years progressing through the Connacht academy under the guidance of Stuart Lancaster.
The out-half/full-back has made 19 senior appearances, including eight starts, and also brings valuable goal-kicking ability to the squad.
A welcome visitor back at Kilkenny College, Sean regularly practises his kicking at his alma mater on the Castlecomer Road when he is in Kilkenny.
Connacht begin their campaign at home on Friday night, when they face the Stormers at the Dexcom Stadium in Galway.
Stephen Smyth — Leinster
Sean’s former dorm mate, Stephen Smyth, has also followed the academy pathway.
The Carlow native, from the Class of 2023, began his career as a back rower before making the transition to hooker.
Smyth made four senior appearances last season and was also part of the Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa.
He flew to South Africa last Sunday as Leinster prepare for a pair of away fixtures, taking on the Lions next weekend and the Sharks the following Saturday.
Charlie Tector — Leinster
Also making the journey to South Africa was Charlie Tector, a member of the Kilkenny College Class of 2020.
The Rathnure native can play at out-half or inside centre and has made 27 senior appearances to date.
Tector was also an accomplished hurler during his teenage years before choosing to focus on rugby.
Following his Leaving Certificate in 2020, he went on to study Agricultural Science while continuing his development as part of the Leinster academy.
The three former Kilkenny College pupils provide a strong link between the school and the professional game as another URC season gets underway.
