Connacht centre Robb making rapid progress ahead of big home clash with Munster

PETER Robb watched on television from his Dublin home in Stillorgan as Connacht heroically defeated Munster for the first time in 29 years at Thomond Park in November.

But this weekend, as Connacht look to do the season double over their southern rivals for the first time ever, the inside-centre will be very much in the thick of the action at the Sportsground (Saturday, 7.15pm).

From the couch to the front-line in the space of a few months, the 21-year-old’s career has been on a rapid upward trajectory.

Virtually unknown this time last year, Robb is now talked about as ‘the next Robbie Henshaw’.

The similarity isn’t just in appearance and physique. Robb, in the dozen games he’s played in this his debut season at senior, has shown enough potential to suggest that – given the time and opportunity – he has what it takes to fill the void left by the departure of Henshaw to Leinster next season.

“Robbie is a top class player, so being compared to him I suppose is quite a compliment,” he says, blushing nervously.

He admits to being more confident now than when he made his senior Connacht debut in Russia in mid-November, and he’s becoming more bullish the more game-time he gets.

Robb is built like a small tank but he’s not just ‘bish-bash-bosh’. “I don’t like to be seen as a one-trick pony, carry-up. I worked on a lot of my skills this year and have added to that aspect of my game. I like to think I’m a bit of an all-round player,” he says.

The Blackrock College graduate began his career with Leinster Academy but was coaxed west after he caught the eye of Connacht Academy coach Nigel Carolan, when the pair were involved with Ireland U19.

“The set-up here in the Academy is top class,” he says. “I think it’s a bit more intense, the training,” he adds.

A Dublin media man at the press conference nearly chokes. Thinking his ears have deceived him, he asks for clarity that Leinster Academy is better.

“No it’s a bit more intense down here (in Connacht Academy). The training is a bit more full-on.”

The NUIG economics, sociology and politics student adds: “That does mean less college time but it’s ultimately making me a better player. The structures down here are brilliant. No one could say they didn’t improve from coming down here so I’m pretty happy.”

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.