'My life's completely changed' - Laois' Ross Bolger reveling at Idaho State

This time last year when Ross Bolger spoke in depth to RTÉ Sport, he was dreaming of getting a scholarship offer from a US university and pursuing his American football ambitions.

The former Laois Under-20 footballer had come under the tutelage of ex-Connacht rugby player Tadhg Leader and via the latter's Leader Kicking programme, Bolger stood out as the first of what would potentially be a wave of Irish talent that would cascade across the Atlantic and establish an Irish foothold among the ranks of prospective punters and kickers.

On SuperBowl Sunday, it is obvious that the groundswell from this side of the pond has only been growing.

Four Irish sportspeople - Monaghan goalkeeper Rory Beggan, Wicklow goalkeeper Mark Jackson, Down's Charlie Smyth and Tadhg's brother, fellow ex-Connacht rugby player, Darragh Leader - are participating in trials this month as part of a select group of 16 overseas prospects that make up the International Player Pathway class of 2024, who will have the opportunity to showcase their talents at the NFL Combine in March.

While their training camp takes place at Florida's IMG Academy, Bolger meanwhile has seen his dream become a reality.

Last August, it was confirmed that he had received and accepted a two-year scholarship offer from Division One American football university Idaho State and is part of the Bengals roster in the NCAA's Big Sky Conference.

"It's unbelievable because the last time we were talking, that was the dream to get that scholarship secured," Bolger tells RTÉ Sport as the Killeshin clubman reflects on a whirlwind 12 months.

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