Riley Harrison, who represented Mallow RFC last season, scored a try against English Premiership side Northampton Saints after coming off the bench for the Asia Pacific Lions.
The Auckland native produced an impressive performance as he lined out alongside a number of international rugby stars, including former Australian scrum-half Will Genia and Fijian international Waisea Nayacalevu.
Harrison’s appearance against Northampton represents another memorable moment in a rugby journey that brought him from New Zealand to North Cork last season.
A versatile First Five and Fullback, Harrison has played rugby since the age of five and arrived in Ireland with significant experience in the New Zealand game. Prior to his move, he helped Pakuranga RFC secure the national under-85kg title.
Speaking about his decision to move to Ireland and join Mallow RFC, Harrison said he wanted to experience rugby on this side of the world and believed Mallow was the perfect place to do so.
“To make the most of my time here and learn as much as possible,” he said when outlining his ambitions for the season.
His latest appearance has now seen him take another step onto a much bigger stage, sharing the pitch with established international players and getting on the scoresheet against one of English rugby’s leading sides.
While Harrison’s rugby journey began in Auckland, his season with Mallow RFC has become an important part of that journey, and there will no doubt be plenty of people around the club delighted to see the former Mallow player continuing to make his mark at a higher level.
Meanwhile, Dylan Walsh has been named captain of Mallow RFC’s men’s team for the upcoming season.
Walsh will be supported by Sean O’Riordan and Sean Glynn, who have both been appointed vice-captains.
The club announced its new leadership team ahead of the season, congratulating Dylan, Sean and Sean on their appointments as preparations continue for the campaign ahead.
The trio will now take on key leadership roles as Mallow RFC prepares for another season, with the club wishing the new captaincy team and the rest of the squad every success in the months ahead.