Pride for Portlaoise Rugby Club as player selected on Irish U-18 Clubs squad

Portlaoise RFC was filled with pride and excitement on Friday last as news broke that one of their own, Cian Butler, had been selected for the Ireland U/18 Clubs squad for an upcoming two-match series against Italy.

Head Coach Jamie Kirk called up 27 players to travel to Padua, Northern Italy for the first match against Italy U/18s, set to take place at the Eugenio Municipal Stadium on Wednesday, October 30 (6:30pm local time/5:30pm Irish time). The teams will face off again at the Gianni Visentin Municipal Stadium on Saturday, November 2 (2pm local time/1pm Irish time).

The importance of Cian’s selection to the club and his teammates is expressed in this piece by Liam Culliton:

"Cian Butler, our academy captain, boards a plane on Saturday bound for Italy. He's going on the Irish U/18s tour to Italy to represent his country, which is a massive achievement.

Cian came to us as a shy Under-9 kid, really quiet and unassuming. His enthusiasm for rugby was clear from that early age. As Cian moved up through the age grades, in mini's, his work rate and willingness to learn really stood out.

When he eventually got to youths and full-pitch rugby, he really excelled. He was a born leader, and all the other lads looked on Cian as their leader as he just grew and grew into the game.

When he was selected on the North Midlands squad, the progression process started. Next up was the Leinster squad, where he had standout performances on the way to a clean sweep of wins in the inter-pro's, where he led the pack by his example.

Cian's next chapter is beginning with Ireland's U/18s, and we know he'll represent his country, just the same as he does his club, with pride and respect. We wish Cian the very best of luck on this biggest stage of his rugby career. We know he'll wear the green jersey with savage pride.

The very best of luck from everyone in Portlaoise RFC."