5. Kieran Treadwell – Ireland
Born in Sutton, South London, Kieran Treadwell qualifies for Ireland through his Irish mother. The towering lock attended the John Fisher School in Surrey, before setting his sights on the Emerald Isle. Treadwell first ran out in the green of Ireland at Under 18s level, yet made the swap to England for his U20s season. Treadwell was apart of the England U20s side who won the 2015 U20s Six Nations, with his impressive performances landing him a contract with Harlequins.
Treadwell was unable to make a significant dent on the Harlequins senior team, and was leant out on loan to London Scottish in the RFU Championship. The second-rower jumped at the opportunity to pursue a career in Belfast, and agreed a move to Ulster for the 2016/17 Guinness Pro12 Season. Treadwell has since called Northern Ireland home, and made an immediate impact at Kingspan Stadium.
Treadwell capitalised on the exit of lock Dan Tuohy to Bristol, and the injury absence of Alan O’Connor and Peter Browne, for consistent game time upon his arrival. After 21 starts in his opening season, Ireland Head Coach Joe Schmidt named Treadwell in the 2017 Summer Tour of Japan. Upon returning to Ulster, Treadwell established a rock-solid second row partnership with Ireland international Iain Henderson, and pressed on for his first Ireland try in the 2022 Guinness Six Nations.
Treadwell favoured Andy Farrell’s rotational approach, for Ireland’s match against Italy in the 2022 Six Nations. He scored his one and only first team try for his country in this match, as Ireland cruised to a 57-6 win. Treadwell will hope to break further into Andy Farrell’s plans, for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. His role may be sporadic for the upcoming competition, yet injuries could once again give Treadwell an increased role, as the competition progresses to the latter stages.