Les Kiss praises Arundell after storming summer

London Irish Head Coach Les Kiss was full of admiration for winger Henry Arundell after he announced himself in world rugby in England‘s victorious tour of Australia.

Arundell scored a powerful debut try with almost his first touch in international rugby as England lost the first test, before making further appearances as England came from behind to win the series Down Under.

And though Kiss was aware of the pressure and ups and downs that may come in Arundell’s career, he felt it was right for the 19-year-old to receive well-deserved praise for the way he capped a remarkable breakthrough season.

“I encourage the high expectations. It is just about having the right approach to reality,” he said.

“I think you have got to put heavy expectation on yourself. That is how you challenge yourself, but it is also being able to understand that from A to B is not a straight line, if that makes sense.

“You have just got to be able to work with the ups and downs in the most productive way.

“We tend to bounce right from great things happening to bouncing low, and it is how you build yourself back to an even keel as quickly as possible, and that is the important thing.

“Henry is a well-balanced lad, and a real positive and upside to his success it that he respects the opportunity.”

Irish had an impressive season last campaign, finishing in the top eight and earning a place in the Champions for the first time since 2011.

They also notched the joint highest number of try bonus points with Harlequins and Northampton Saints on 14, and those two sides were the only teams who scored more than their 93 in the tournament.

Kiss is hoping Irish can use what they learned from that season, and the international experience that some of their players have collected, to move their way up the table.

Just a couple of lads living their dream.

Congratulations @henry_arundell and Will Joseph 👏 pic.twitter.com/pwFRgs6XGD

— London Irish (@londonirish) July 16, 2022

“To get to Europe was one step. Now, it is about making sure we can do the right things to challenge the top end of the table,” Kiss added.

“Henry and Will [Joseph] making that [England] team and being part of a winning series, that can only serve them at a deeper level, the experiences they have had.

“We have got a lot of boys on international duty around the world – that was always going to serve us well – but for those two young guys to get that experience is very beneficial.”