Wexford's Charlie Tector handed first start to shine for Leinster ...

Rathnure and Wexford youngster Charlie Tector has been given a tremendous chance to shine for Leinster as they take on Edinburgh Rugby away from home in a big Friday night lights clash in the Scottish capital…

Tector makes his first senior start for Leinster following on from appearances off the bench against the likes of Scarlets, a try scoring cameo against the Dragons, inter-pro rivals Ulster, and against Edinburgh before.

The Blackstairs man has now been switched from his usual position of outside half or number 10 to a promising position of inside centre or number 12.

Why do I say promising? Well, Charlie is a big unit, at an imposing 95kg and 6 foot 2 inches tall. He is a physical player and has shown big plays during previous appearances when he came off the bench as a substitute.

He notably dealt with Ulster and Ireland power house the Bangor Bulldozer Stu McCloskey very easily in defensive tackles a while back – and in scoring his first try for Leinster absolutely thumped a Dragons would be tackle back a few yards.

He clearly does have the strength and power for the role of inside centre.

Growing up as a out half with Kilkenny College and starting all Ireland Under 20’s Grand Slam 2022 matches at number 10, the Blackstairs man has a fantastic skill set needed in a modern day inside centre.

In 2024, number 12’s are known for releasing the outside centres and indeed wingers and full backs with a wide range of short passing and long spin passing to devastating effect. Tector has this in his locker.

Also needed in this new position for him is a impressive kicking game, another trait he possesses. This enables another option for the out half to sometimes release pressure situations off his own shoulders or simply use the 12, as he may be closer to the slightly closer to the touchline for a better chance of better field position or a 50/22 kick.

I, for one, am hugely excited to see the Rathnure man in this position because I think he can really star here on Friday and put in a great performance. I believe his future at Leinster is in the position of inside centre.

Make sure to tune in to TG4’s live coverage of Leinster Rugby vs Edinburgh Rugby and Charlie’s first start for Leinster at 7.30pm on tonight (Friday night). He’s one of our own. A young man starring for Leinster and deserves your support.