Men’s Under-20s Make Their Mark at 1st XV Level

Last Saturday’s dramatic Men’s 1st XV victory over Sligo in Round 10 of the Energia All-Ireland League Division 2B at Balreask Old once again highlighted the strength of Navan RFC’s player pathway, with a number of Under-20 players featuring prominently in the senior side.

Hooker Fionn Craik continued his outstanding season by starting the match and has now featured in all ten AIL fixtures so far this campaign, a remarkable achievement for the young forward. Ben McCreary came off the bench to cover the second row, earning his third AIL cap, while Saul Harris made his senior All-Ireland League debut, entering the fray from the replacements and quickly making his presence felt in the scrum.

Their involvement is the latest chapter in an encouraging trend at the club, with a steady stream of Under-20 players successfully stepping up into Adult First Team rugby over the past couple of seasons. That pathway has already seen players such as Oisín Heffernan and half-back Noah Kavanagh establish themselves at senior level.

The continued integration of young talent is a testament to the work being done across the youth and Under-20 structures at Navan RFC, and it’s great to see these players embracing the challenge and contributing at the highest level of club rugby.

A bright future lies ahead as the next generation continues to make its mark in the Navy & Sky blue