Ulster Hooker Tom Stewart: Pursuing World Cup Opportunity with Ireland after Overcoming Difficult Times

The Unbelievable Rise of Tom Stewart and his Chance at the World Cup Squad!

Just 20 minutes ago, in the Irish Rugby world, something big happened that sets hearts racing as young sensation Tom Stewart makes it into the final squad for Ireland’s World Cup training.

As one of Ulster’s top players this season, scoring a record-breaking 16 tries during the regular United Rugby Championship campaign has been no easy feat for this hooker.

But despite having faced injury woes along his journey all these years, he remains resilient and determined to succeed; hence he was named among seven Ulster players in Ireland’s World Cup training squad on Tuesday – something that even he would have found difficult to imagine before.

Persistence is Key: From The Depths of Injury Woes To Making It Into The Summer Panel!

“When it just kept happening you couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Stewart while reflecting on their injuries. “It was pretty dark.”

But coming out at the end of it gave him a chance to reflect on what had occurred during those challenging times. He says that “it was probably one of THE BEST things that’s ever happened to me” – indeed!

The best thing yet came when he received confirmation from Andy Farrell (Ireland’s Head Coach) about making a position in Ireland’s 42-man summer panel! That too with Leinster duo Ciaran Frawley and Jamie Osborne and Munster’s Calvin Nash, making Stewart one of the four uncapped players in Farrell’s squad.

From Emerging Ireland to Six Nations and now World Cup Training – The Road Ahead!

A young Tom made a considerable impact on an Ulster shirt during the 2022-23 season, with his ability to burst out from the back of a maul and score becoming a key weapon for his team.

He has not only played his part in the Emerging Ireland tour of South Africa last autumn but was also called up by Andy Farrell as injury cover during Six Nations where he may have seen no game time but continued developing himself.

“I’m hungry,” says Stewart, who is looking forward to establishing himself under Farrell’s guidance. He further adds that “Just being a part of it…is another step again.” His hunger and determination are palpable; he wants this opportunity more than anything else!

The Next Steps: From Squad Release E-mail To Being A Part Of An Exciting Team!

Now that he’s IN – It’s time for him to position himself alongside fellow hookers Dan Sheehan and Ronan Kelleher before 42 becomes the final 33 on the plane.”

” I’m overjoyed about making it into this esteemed squad. The fact that I’m running towards something so incredibly big like being a part of such an exciting team looking promising to go far…It’s very exhilarating!” – Tom stewart

The Final Word: Reflections And Inspiration As He Heads Towards The World Cup

“The Emerging Ireland tour really helped me understand how Ireland wanted us all to play,” says Stewart.”I took those learning points into my Ulster Stuff and tried little details – pushing myself to the best of my ability.”

It’s amazing how a young player like Tom is already making significant strides in his career. He has overcome so many challenges, worked hard on himself, and prepared for his big break. The world cup is just the right place he needs to be.