Kilkenny College man poised to make Leinster debut, as another past pupil named Player of the Month

October 18, 2024

A Kilkenny College past pupil looks set to get a chance to make his senior debut for Leinster against Connacht this weekend.

Stephen Smyth is one of two potential Academy debutants named as replacements for the Saturday showdown at Dexcom Stadium. A member of the Class of 2023 at the local school, he has a number of u-20 caps and has toured extensively with Ireland underage sides.

“We are all delighted for him and it comes as no suprise given how hard he has worked .We look forward to his further development as a player,” said Kilkenny College head rugby coach Jeff Carter.
The hooker also featured in the recent Emerging Ireland tour of South Africa, which saw the men in green complete a clean sweep against their southern hemisphere opposition. He was joined by another KCK alumnus, Charlie Tector (Class of 2020), who has just been voted Player of the Month by Leinster supporters.

Tector has had a great run of games. Aside from the three-match tour, he was a standout player for Leinster in their season opener against Edinburgh. He looked very much at home at inside centre, winning plaudits from the likes of Bernard Jackman, as well as his coaches. It’s important he takes every opportunity he gets to shine — given the abundance of competition for the number 12 jersey; Robbie Henshaw, Harry Byrne and Ciaran Frawley all cover the position, while All Black Jordie Barrett arrives at Christmas.

Speaking to the Kilkenny People, Kilkenny College senior coach Jeff Carter said of Tector: “We are delighted for him and it comes as no suprise when you look back at those games. His work rate both with the ball and without was phenomenal.”

Both Charlie and Stephen have remained in regular touch with their former Kilkenny College coaches, and have been back to visit their alma mater often. Coach Carter said the whole school community was delighted to see both Charlie and Stephen involved in the tour, and in particular against the Cheetahs in the final game of the three-match series in Bloemfontein.

Tector (Class of 2020) is in his fourth year of the Leinster Academy. He was part of the u-20 Grand Slam winning side of 2022 starting all games at fly half.

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