Young Gun: Carl Kirwan – Rotherham flanker

When you consider Rotherham's Carl Kirwan's last job was putting up scaffolding in the North Sea it is understandable why the flanker has established a reputation as one of the Titans' hardest-working players.
Kirwan thought he had missed his chance at earning a shot at professional rugby when he was overlooked by Newcastle's academy and was playing in tier six for Middlesbrough.
But 16 months ago when playing in the County Championship for Yorkshire U20s, Kirwan just so happened to catch the eye of the passing Andre Bester who was immediately convinced of his potential.
Bester told The Rugby Paper: “Physically he was very impressive – 6ft 3in and 97kg as a 19-year-old
– but what impressed me most was his courage at the breakdown.
“As an openside he has it all: he can carry the ball, he has the speed to outsprint wingers and over the ball he is as strong as a David Pocock or Richie McCaw.”
However Kirwan has had to be patient. Last season opportunities were few and far between with the Titans boasting a back row of Semisi Taulava, Robin Copeland and Sean Dougall – all of whom are now playing in the Premiership or PRO12.
When those chances did come along, Kirwan seized them with aplomb winning the man-of-the-match award for his two tries on debut against Moseley and following that with the same accolade in his second match against Ulster.
Now though Kirwan knows he has the opportunity to play week in, week out in his favoured No.7 shirt since Dougall's departure to Munster and having bulked up to 110kg losing none of his speed, the 21-year-old knows now is his time to shine.
He said: “When I first came here it was a huge step up because I was coming from about four leagues lower.
“The first few matches were really quick and I think I ran around like a loose cannon but I have learnt a huge amount playing behind Sean, Semisi and Robin.
“Now they have gone I am really looking forward to nailing down the shirt. The way they moved I think the whole team look at that and respect what they have achieved.
“There's a mentality at this club that Andre encourages that we all want to reach the very top – hopefully with Rotherham.”
It would be all the more remarkable if Kirwan makes it to the very top given that he was once passed over by Newcastle.
But that sense of rejection has helped fire the Eng- land Counties U20 back rower to where he is today.
He said: “I dreamt of being a pro rugby player and even when I was at Middlesbrough I was going down the gym trying to become better.
“I had to earn a living though and I was scaffolding out in the North Sea. I think that does make me appreciate having a second chance that bit more. I have had to work very hard to get to this point and I don't want to do anything to waste the opportunity.”
Certainly that work ethic has impressed  Bester who added: “He is a stone and a half heavier than when he arrived and is still fast enough to run away from wingers.
“What he needs now is regular game time and that's what he will have this season.”