LIST | 5 things you didn't know about new Leicester Tigers signing Dan Kelly
Rugby NewsTuesday, 14 April 2020 at 14:51
Leicester Tigers have confirmed the signing of Ireland under-20 midfielder Dan Kelly ahead of next season.
1. English-qualified
The 18-year-old was born in Manchester, so despite representing Ireland U20 could play for England. He was Irish qualified through his grandparents.
2. Code-switch
He excelled in rugby league before switching to union.
3. Other offers
He reportedly had more than one strong offer to play his rugby in Ireland next season. The situation was complicated by the fact that he is on a scholarship at Loughborough.
4. Previous clubs
He currently plays for Loughborough Students in National League One and had been part of the Sale Sharks academy prior to that.
5. How he's described
"Dan is a no-nonsense, talented young player who we are delighted to have joining," head coach Geordan Murphy said.
RANKED | The 5 fastest players in the Gallagher Premiership, including Jonny May
Speed is key in modern rugby. Whether it be defenders recovering to win a last-ditch tackle or attackers hitting teams on the counter, we are constantly told that 'there is no substitute for pace'.
Check out the top five from the Gallagher Premiership below…
5. GABRIEL IBITOYE – HARLEQUINS – 11.7 SECONDS (100M)
One of the most exciting young wingers in the country, the speedster has been with Harlequins since the age of 12. He was nominated for Player of the Tournament in the 2018 World Rugby U20 Championship.
4. STUART HOGG – EXETER CHIEFS – 11.6 SECONDS (100M)
Hogg broke Glasgow's club record by hitting a top speed of 36.8kmh (just under 23mph) in training. In contrast, the Greater Roadrunner bird can only hit 20mph, while, back in the human realm, the top speed ever clocked by Usain Bolt was 27.8mph in the Berlin World Championships of 2009 when he set the still-standing 100m record of 9.58 seconds.
3. ANTHONY WATSON - England - 11.2 SECONDS (100m)
Once ran a 100 metres in 11.2 seconds at a school sports day and his raw pace saw the 21-year-old have a trial for Premier League giants Chelsea. Helped England Under-20s beat Wales in the final of the 2013 Junior World Cup before making the step up to the Test side.
2. JONNY MAY – England – 10.71 SECONDS (100M)
The speedster clocked 10.71 for the 100 metres. With a strong argument to be England’s quickest wide man ever, May is gradually improving his finishing prowess and is now arguably the first name on the teamsheet for head coach Eddie Jones.
1. OLLIE THORLEY – GLOUCESTER RUGBY – 10.6 SECONDS (100M)
Lightning speed - he ran the 100m in 10.6 seconds aged 16 - and an eye for the try line. Thorley is also an eccentric character as highlighted in this recent interview by Sportsmail's Nik Simon.
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
Loading