Emerging Ireland Captain Alex Kendellen Ready to Make His Mark on Tour
Ireland Captain Alex Kendellen is preparing to lead the Emerging Ireland squad on a crucial South African tour, an opportunity he’s been waiting for since a concussion ruled him out of the tour two years ago. The Munster back-rower is stepping into a challenging yet rewarding role, hoping to make his mark while serving as captain of a team filled with promising talent.
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Despite missing three Munster games to be here, Alex Kendellen views this as a chance to showcase his skills and leadership in a setting where every player is in the “shop window.”
Emerging Ireland kicks off the tour with a match against the Pumas at 3 pm Irish time tomorrow. This will be followed by games against the Western Force and the Cheetahs on Sunday and next Wednesday. With such a packed schedule, players like Kendellen are eager to put their best foot forward, both individually and as a team.
Ireland Captain Alex Kendellen on Leadership Duties
For Ireland Captain Alex Kendellen, being chosen to lead this squad is more than just an honour—it’s a responsibility to bring out the best in his teammates. Two years ago, he missed out on the Emerging Ireland tour after a concussion sustained in a URC match against Connacht ruled him out at the last minute. Now, having earned the captain’s armband, he’s determined to make up for that lost opportunity and guide his team to success.
“Yeah, it’s tough,” Kendellen admits, referring to the challenge of missing Munster’s recent games, including the defeat to Zebre. He won’t be available for the forthcoming games against Leinster and the Ospreys. Yet, despite the sacrifices, he understands the significance of wearing the green jersey for Ireland and what it means to represent his country on such a stage.
“You’re putting on a green jersey, and that doesn’t come around too often,” says Kendellen. “It’s a special moment for all of us players here.”
Balancing Individual Goals and Team Spirit
Alex Kendellen acknowledges that this tour isn’t just about individual performances. Although every player aspires to be unique, he stresses the value of functioning as a cohesive team. “It’s about bringing the team together and working as best as you can for the guy next to you,” he emphasises. He believes that unity and a strong team effort will naturally lead to better performances on the field, ultimately benefiting everyone.
The presence of senior coaches like Simon Easterby is another motivating factor for the players. They get an opportunity to show off their skills when they have experienced mentors guiding their development. “Everyone is in the shop window here,” says Kendellen, recognising the competitive nature of the tour.
A Stepping Stone to the Senior Squad
The Emerging Ireland squad has seen several of its members transition to the senior ranks. Six players from the 2022 tour—Joe McCarthy, Jack Crowley, and Calvin Nash, among others—have gone on to become regulars under head coach Andy Farrell.
This clear pathway to the senior squad is a massive motivator for the captain and his peers. “There’s a clear trajectory for those players who’ve come through,” he says. Seeing players like Crowley and Nash perform on the biggest stages, including World Cups and Six Nations, only fuels the ambition of those now wearing the Emerging Ireland jersey. It’s a reminder that standout performances here can open doors to even greater opportunities.
Advice from the 2022 Graduates
Kendellen has been tapping into the experience of his more established peers, seeking advice on how to make the most of this tour. “They’ve been very good to me,” says Kendellen. “They just said to go out and enjoy it, try and use it as an opportunity. Don’t feel too much pressure out there—it’s an enjoyable tour.”
Having previously led the Ireland U20s, Kendellen is no stranger to leadership roles. He has also captained Munster in the past and concedes that earning the captaincy full-time at Munster is an ambition for the future. For now, his focus is on performing well and leading by example.
“That’s my goal,” Kendellen admits. “I want that 7 jersey [at Munster] more than anything.” The Cork native has made 69 appearances for Munster since his debut in March 2021. This season, getting more playing time at his favourite position will be his top priority.
The Emerging Ireland tour provides Kendellen a stage to show a different group of coaches what he can offer. “It’s a great opportunity to show what I can bring to the table as well,” he asserts.
Andy Farrell’s Watchful Eye
While head coach Andy Farrell is not physically present in South Africa, his influence looms large. Kendellen and his teammates know that Farrell is watching closely, evaluating how they handle this experience and whether they’re ready to step up to the senior squad.
It’s a fine line for Ireland Captain Alex Kendellen to tread. The athletes want to stand out and show off their unique talents, on the one hand. On the other, Kendellen’s job is to ensure they play as a cohesive unit, gel quickly, and support one another on and off the pitch.
“We’re under no illusions,” he reiterates. “Everyone is in the shop window, but it’s about bringing the team together here.”
This balance, Alex Kendellen believes, is crucial for success. “It’s important for us to come together as quickly as possible,” he says. “Get training under our belt and then enjoy those games that we’re playing in.”
Putting on the Green Jersey
For Kendellen and the Emerging Ireland squad, donning the green jersey is motivation enough. “You’re putting on a green jersey, that’s enough motivation in itself,” he states. “Everybody here is here for a reason.
Everyone is a great player and brings something different to the table.” Leadership, for Ireland Captain Alex Kendellen, is about actions more than words. “It’s leading by actions,” he says. “That’s my big one—just trying to do it on the pitch and let my actions speak louder than words.”
Ireland’s campaign begins in Bloemfontein against the Pumas, followed by games against the Western Force and Cheetahs. Kendellen and his team are well aware of the stakes, inspired by the successes of the 2022 tour.
“One hundred percent,” Kendellen says of the inspiration the 2022 tour provides. “There’s a clear trajectory for those players who’ve come through.”
Drawing Inspiration from Past Success
The success stories of Crowley, Nash, and McCarthy resonate strongly with Ireland Captain Alex Kendellen and his squad. “You see them perform on the biggest stages, in World Cups and Six Nations,” he says, noting how this drives them to seize their own opportunity.
Kendellen’s preparation includes reaching out to the 2022 graduates for insights.
“I was lucky enough to pick a few of their brains,” he says. “They’ve been very good to me over the last couple of days.” The advice? Enjoy the experience.
“They just said to go out and enjoy it,” Kendellen recalls. “Try and use it as an opportunity.”
As the tour begins, Kendellen’s message to his squad is clear. “Don’t feel too much pressure out there,” he urges. “It’s an enjoyable tour.”
For Ireland Captain Alex Kendellen, this tour is about more than personal ambition. It’s about leadership, teamwork, and seizing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to wear the green jersey and make a lasting impression.
