Rugby: Two past pupils of Kilkenny school making waves as Emerging Ireland tour South Africa

Two former Kilkenny College students are making waves with the Emerging Ireland rugby squad as they tour South Africa.

Charlie Tector and Stephen Smyth are both in the team tonight, with Smyth set to start at hooker, and Tector named on the bench. Both young men are in regular touch with their former coaches and have been back to visit their alma mater often.

Speaking to the Kilkenny People, Kilkenny College head coach Jeff Carter said the whole school community was delighted to see both Charlie and Stephen involved. This evening, Emerging Ireland face the Cheetahs in the final game of the three-match series in Bloemfontein (kick off 6pm Irish time).
Charlie 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. Despite serious competition, the Wexford man has made a number of appearances for the Leinster senior side. Against Edinburgh last month, he had a superb, eye-catching performance playing at 12, earning praise from fans and pundits alike.

”He has two starts this season and has shown everyone how good he is at this level regardless of whether he plays at out-half or in the centre” said Carter.

Stephen Smyth (Class of 2023) has a number of u-20 caps and has toured extensively with Ireland underage sides so is no stranger to elite rugby either.
 "Stephen is in his first year with the Leinster Academy and is playing his AIL rugby with Old Wesley," Carter said. "Like Charlie, Stephen too was a boarder with us for six years and it allows us to get to know all the students really well and those relationships last long after they leave us."