Kildare's rugby star on the rise; Jamie Osbourne

Jamie Osbourne of Leinster during the U18 Youths Interprovincial match between Leinster and Munster at the University of Limerick in Limerick back in 2018, Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile

placeholder image — Jamie Osbourne of Leinster during the U18 Youths Interprovincial match between Leinster and Munster at the University of Limerick in Limerick back in 2018, Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile

21-years-of-age Naas native Jamie Osborne has been making huge strides on the rugby scene this season, capping it off with his first try in the Champions Cup on Saturday for Leinster in in their 49-14 victory over Glouster at Kingsholm Stadium.

It was a man-of-the-match display from Osborne that saw his display being lauded by Leinster Coach, Leo Cullen.

Jamie has no less than 28 caps to his name and Cullen certainly did not hide his admiration for a player who has come up through the ranks of club rugby. On Thursday January 19, Osbourne was announced as the only uncapped member of Andy Farrell's Ireland Six Nations squad.

Jamie played GAA for Naas along with rugby for Naas RFC but admitted on Saturday that “you have to pick one game when you get to a certain age and I'm very happy with the decision I made.”

The Naas man, very unusual for the modern day rugby player, did not come through the rugby school route but through his home town club, Naas RFC, something he is extremely proud of, as he constantly praises Naas for their guidance and coaching all the way up from mini rugby.

A versatile player Osborne was called up to the Ireland 'A' team back in November that lost to a New Zealand XV but the Naas man certainly enjoyed that experience.

“It was a really good experience and while the result was disappointing, hopefully I can get back in their again in the future.”

Leo Cullen said “He is certainly putting his hand up which is fantastic, he gives us that versatility as he can play in various positions.”