Full back in the swing of things

Interview : John O'Sullivan talks to Gordon D'Arcy about the unexpected benefits of missing the World Cup.

On the Sunday morning he switched on his mobile phone, slowly read the text message and was overwhelmed by a crushing disappointment. Gordon D'Arcy had received modern technology's version of the Dear John letter, outlining that he wouldn't be a member of the Ireland squad for last year's World Cup.

He didn't feel he had a divine right to a place, didn't consider himself a front-runner but, as he explained, "I still had my little candle burning for the World Cup and that day it went out."

It hurt. Four days he grieved through tears and beers, a cathartic process granted by the Leinster team management.

In the past it would have taken him far longer to recover, but with the support of his family, Leinster team-mates and non-rugby playing friends a new resolution was born. He returned to Leinster training aware that with so many team-mates in Australia he was a senior figure in a very young Leinster squad.

"I was determined not to mope around, feel sorry for myself, which was just as well because when I said this to Willie Anderson he responded that it was just as well as he'd have kicked my backside for me if my attitude had been any different."

D'Arcy had just recovered from the angst professional sportsmen feel when new management takes over, manifest in Leinster's appointment of Gary Ella. "It's every player's worst nightmare: 'what happens if I have a personality clash with the new coach or he doesn't like the way I play'. The support that I had here in Leinster was what got me through not being at the World Cup. I struck up a rapport with Gary (Ella) straight away. I get on very well with him. I haven't had that kind of a relationship with a coach where he doesn't place too many structures on my game.

"Obviously my fitness, weights and skills are all structured, but not how I use whatever talent I have on the pitch. Gary will give me all the information, but with it the freedom to interpret it and play what I see in front of me.

"His philosophy is, if it's on run it, and if not, kick it. It sounds very simple but it's a load off my mind. I very rarely get turned over when I run, so that doesn't enter my mind. It means that there is no pressure to kick the ball away. I don't think people realise how fickle a player's confidence can be and how great an impact it has on his well being and his ability to play his best rugby."

Ella's doctrine is tailor-made to showcase D'Arcy's ability, manifest in his most recent performance for Leinster in last Friday night's Celtic League victory over Ulster. Ensconced in his favourite position at full back he offered an accomplished performance.

There isn't a better broken-field runner in the country, but the rod made for D'Arcy's back has always been his ability to catch and kick when playing full back. It's not that he couldn't do it, but occasionally it was almost possible to see him thinking four moves ahead while the ball was in the air; and unfortunately then on the ground.

On Friday he offered pretty compelling evidence that his game has matured. He is a veteran at 23, packing more into five years than most players manage in a career three times as long. Not going to the World Cup meant D'Arcy received an extended run with Leinster in the Celtic League at full back, his preferred position.

Returning to the wing for European Cup duty is no big deal.

"Full back suits me and I do want to play there eventually, but the Leinster team is not about Gordon D'Arcy. Hopefully I can affect people's perceptions that I can kick and catch with the best in the world by my performances. I know I'm a good broken-field runner.

"I'll take full back with open arms, but if it's for the good of Leinster then I'm happy to play on the wing. Myself, Johnny (McWeeney) and Girv (Girvan Dempsey) play well off each other and there's a good understanding there.

"I'm enjoying my rugby, like the freedom I've been given to pop up in other places than strictly as an out-and-out wing. My displays on the pitch are the only way for me to effectively argue my case."

These days a senior counsel would struggle to be as eloquent.