Sheehan's 'enjoyed every second' of breakthrough year

Given his career trajectory in the last couple of seasons, you could easily forget that Dan Sheehan is 24 years old.

For a player who now seems an established Test hooker, it's only two years since his Leinster debut, which came unusually late at the age of 22.

He's made up for that lost time though, scoring a phenomenal 22 tries in 34 games for his province, and winning 12 caps for Ireland since his debut against Argentina a year ago.

The hooker has featured in all 10 of Ireland's games in 2022, and that's likely to be 11 if, as expected, he starts against Australia this weekend.

His form over the last 12 months was this week recognised by World Rugby - Sheehan has been nominated alongside his fellow Ireland international Mack Hansen, as well as Italy's Ange Capuozzo and England's Henry Arundell, for Men's Breakthrough Player of the Year.

And having started two Test wins against New Zealand, one against South Africa, and also an away win versus England at Twickenham, he's likely to be the favourite to pick up the award, which will be announced in Monaco this Sunday.

"It was great, I've probably come along a bit further than I thought in the last year, but it's been great," he said of the nomination.

"It's a bit of a testament to the people who got me here rather than me. There are a lot of clubs, a lot of people, my family have been a massive support. The likes of Lansdowne and Trinity, my AIL clubs, and Clongowes as well.

"It's been a good year and hopefully we can keep it going throughout the season.

"It is good to get a bit of recognition for your achievements on how you've gone throughout a season. It's not the awards I'm interested in as much, it's the team ones, but it's good to also get the praise, I suppose."

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