Topping by name and nature

IT IS a tribute to James Topping, who plays on the right wing for Ireland against Australia at Lansdowne Road tomorrow, that he was not one of the eight players omitted after the match against Western Samoa. He was one of the few Ireland players to emerge from that match with a balance on the credit side. In the circumstances, that says a lot about his temperament and his ability, especially bearing in mind that he was winning his first international cap.

I was very disappointed alter the match against the Samoans. I think when I walked off the field after the match I felt by no means secure that I would retain my place. I got a good press and that helped to ease the personal disappointment, and I felt I might hold on. I was delighted and I think relieved when I heard I had been selected against the Australians. You just cannot take anything for granted or be in any way complacent," he says.

Topping is only 21 and has achieved an immense amount on the rugby field. In fact, he holds a unique position in the game in Ireland. A Triple Crown winner with the Ireland schools squad in 1993, he also helped win the Triple Crown at under 21 level last season. By winning his first senior cap against the Samoans, he became the only player with the triple distinction of Triple Crowns at schools and under 21 levels and a senior Irish cap.

The schools Triple Crown win is an especially sweet memory for the Queens University student, who is in his final year studying civil engineering. He scored a crucial try in the match against England in the encounter that gave Ireland the crown. Ireland won the match 13-8. The fact that it was at Ravenhill made it extra special for him.

Bearing in mind that he has played for his country at schools, under 21, A and senior levels, it might seem that his career has followed a very smooth path. Yet, remarkably, his development was effectively impeded for the better part of two seasons. Educated at Ballymena Academy, he was unable to play for Ballymena in the All Ireland League for a season because he had played one match for Queen's University and was consequently ineligible for Ballymena, although he wanted to play for the club. "I did not continue to play for Queen's after the one appearance, but there is no point inn going into that now," he says.

"That was frustrating and disappointing, but then I broke my left leg and that was a worse setback," he says. But it all came good for Topping last season, which was, effectively, his first in the AIL with Ballymena. He made a profound impression and the talent he had shown as a schoolboy came to fruition at senior level. He was on the Ulster senior side and the Ireland under 21 team, then graduated to the A team and was selected to play in the Peace International against the Barbarians, for which caps were not granted.

He played especially well for Ulster against New South Wales last season at Ravenhill when Ulster had a memorable victory with Topping scoring two tries.

A versatile player, right wing is his favourite position. He has also played at centre and fullback.

He is a product of the Rugby Foundation. "That helped me a great deal. I think it is a terrific development and several members of the current Irish side also got the benefit of it. I have been very fortunate in so many respects, in that I had and have very good people to offer advice Barry Coen was a great influence in Ballymena Academy and so was my older brother Derek, who also plays for Ballymena."

A contracted player with the IRFU, that removes the financial burdens and pressures that can at times intrude for a university student. But Topping is a level headed and mature young man who keeps that in the proper perspective. "I appreciate it and recognise my good fortune," said the personable player, who looks destined for a distinguished rugby career.

Topping's family will be there in strength to support him and Ireland tomorrow.

"The match against Western Samoa seemed to go by very quickly," says Topping. "Things went wrong and it is not easy to define all the reasons. We made a very bad start and never really recovered from it. But we now have a great chance to make amends and a win over Australia would really do that.

"The match against Australia represents a huge challenge for us all but I am really looking forward to playing in the game. They are among the best sides in the world and defeating them would be a tremendous boost for Irish rugby and for the match against Italy and in the championship. There is a great incentive out there for us."

For the moment he is looking no further ahead than 3 p.m. at Lansdowne Road tomorrow. "Everything is focused on the match against Australia," he said.

Topping will be playing outside his Ulster colleagues, centres Jonathan Bell and Mark McCall, two players who, like Topping, came through the schools and under 21 national sides.

I am delighted for Mark that he made the team," said Topping. "He has played really well this season and is a very good player."

"Ulster played well against Australia last Saturday, and I am sure that Ireland will rise to the challenge," he says.

Topping is one of the players who represents Ireland's future, a product of the schools, Foundation, under 21, development and A systems. His progress is telling testimony to the benefits of that system. If he and Ireland enjoy the level of success that has attended his efforts thus far, then a fruitful era lies ahead.