Family affair for Ward as Ireland U20s get to lay down cards first

Bryn Ward has no shortage of advisors and he's happy to take on board all they have to offer.

His father, Andy, played 28 times for Ireland between 1998 and 2001; his brother, Zac, is Paris-bound with the Sevens on their Olympic quest, while former Ireland Under-20 back rows James McNabney, Harry Sheridan and Reuben Crothers are on hand in Ulster to share their experiences.

The 19-year-old Ballynahinch RFC man takes his place in the Ireland U20s back row against Scotland this evening (7pm) hoping that a win will be enough to secure a third consecutive Six Nations title for Richie Murphy’s charges.

And having played all but six minutes of their campaign to date – wins over France, Italy, Wales and a draw with England last weekend, he knows the value of keeping fit.

Ward (below) was part of the drive that scored a late try in the Rec to keep Ireland’s hopes alive, while he was also on hand to repel Italy in Cork as the visitors threatened to score a late winner.

Staying fit is something that’s been hammered into him since he was a kid.

"The main thing is just about how fit you’ve got to be to play in the back row," Ward tells RTÉ Sport when asked what tips his father passes on.

"My brother, for example, would probably be a bit fitter than me, moving over the Sevens.

"The main thing is you need to be a lot fitter.

"[My father] told me to read [former New Zealand captain] Richie McCaw’s book when I was younger.

"The first thing he said was his dad told him that the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the game.

"That was the main thing for me was just trying to be as fit as you can. You definitely need it in the last 20 minutes."

Describing his brother as an inspiration, he says there’s no shortage of tips on tap from him and the