Hawkshaw: South Africa trip will stand to Connacht
David Hawkshaw at Connacht Rugby Squad Training this week
David Hawkshaw, who is one of 16 players who came through the Leinster academy system who could line out for Connacht against his native province this weekend, said they can take a lot of positives from their tour to South Africa.
The 24-year-old joined Connacht last season and has played in 18 matches for the province and has featured in each of their last four games.
Having played against both the Sharks and the Bulls, he is now set for the pivotal block of games facing Connacht which includes three Irish derbies and four Champions Cup clashes.
And the former Dublin hurler, who won a Leinster minor hurling medal in 2016 having come through the St Brigid’s club, feels they are primed for the tasks ahead.
“Obviously there were a few sore bodies by the time we got back but we were looked after and after a good night’s sleep and a good start at training, it was good to get back on the pitch.
“There are a lot of positives to take from the South Africa trip. Obviously disappointed with the result of the Bulls game but overall there were some really good positives to take from it.
“It was great as a squad to get away and for players and management to connect over those two weeks.”
He knows that the Irish derby clashes are special, not least against his native Leinster and that a win on Saturday would set them up brilliantly as they head into Champions Cup clashes at home to Bégles Bordeaux and away to Saracens.
But Leinster arrive at the Sportsground on the back of a win over Munster and Hawkshaw knows what lies ahead.
“It’s going to be a massive challenge. We know what Leinster bring, what they have done in the past. But every inter-pro is huge and it’s something that we are really excited for, especially with the full house here,’ he added.
