Cian Prendergast puts Six Nations disappointment behind him
HISTORIC OCCASION: Connacht captain Cian Prendergast is back from Ireland camp and ready for the historic clash in Castlebar in front of a record breaking home crowd. Pic: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Connacht skipper Cian Prendergast said he has put the disappointment of missing Ireland’s Six Nations clash against Wales behind him and is looking forward to leading the province to a big end to the season.
Prendergast was due to join younger brother Sam in the matchday squad in Cardiff last month but had to cry off with a vomiting bug on the morning of the match.
He had lined out with Sam against Fiji in November when the Kildare siblings became the 57th set of brothers to play international rugby for Ireland.
But with family travelling over to Cardiff to see them in action together in the Six Nations for the first time, it was a cruel blow.
"Yeah, that was the immediate thought — that it was going to be such a special day for the family and that's probably what killed me the most but look..."
He enjoyed the stint in camp and is hoping to add to his four caps and was thrilled to see so many other Connacht players involved this time.
“It's brilliant for players here getting the recognition they deserve in terms of their performances for Connacht and then getting to learn up in camp and seeing what it's like in camp, picking up bits of knowledge that they can bring back here.
"Yeah, being in camp is always enjoyable. Any time you're up there, you're extremely privileged. It was disappointing that we couldn't get the result against France, it was disappointing for the lads who played,” added the 25-year old.
His attention has switched back to Connacht where he’s in his first season as captain and despite the international call-ups has played in 13 of their 17 games this season.
He knows this sellout at the home of Mayo GAA in Castlebar is a special occasion in Connacht’s history and that there’s pressure on them to deliver.
“Look it’s massive, 26,000-plus people and tickets from all five counties, so it’s huge to spread the game around the province and also showcase Connacht rugby to the rest of Ireland because I know there’ll be eyes from the wider sporting community in Ireland.
“So, we’re really looking forward to showing the best version of ourselves on the biggest stage.
"I think any time you're involved in an occasion like this and a game like this at this stage of the season, there's always going to be pressure, but we've got to use that pressure almost as a privilege because we're in a position where we can actually achieve something quite special. That's how we have to direct how we think and how we control our week,” added Prendergast who has now chalked up 81 appearances for Connacht.
