Saffa schools' star Josh Neill: 'End goal' is to become Ireland international

South Africa-born back-row prospect Josh Neill has nailed his colours to the mast, committing his future to Leinster and declaring in an interview with Irish media that his ambition to represent Ireland at senior level.

The 6’4 blindside flanker was viewed as one of the more promising prospects to emerge from South Africa’s schools system, but when Leinster and the IRFU made their move, Irish passport holder Neill says it was simply an opportunity he couldn’t turn up.

“My dad’s side of the family would be Irish. My grandparents originally came as missionaries and lived in Zambia. My dad was born in Zambia and then moved to South Africa. That’s kind of where the connection comes from,” Neill told Virgin Media sports.

That lineage, once simply part of family history, became central to a career-defining call.

“I wouldn’t say it was always on the radar. As a kid you’re just growing up trying to enjoy your rugby. By the time I got to under 16 I was approached, but I kind of put that on hold. I was still a 16-year-old kid and didn’t really want to think about after school.

“After the international series in August last year, Leinster and the IRFU had made contact and it started to become a reality where I needed to make a decision about where I wanted to go. For me it was just an incredible opportunity that I couldn’t say no to,” says Neill, who is still just 18 years old.

Neill’s grounding came at Rondebosch Boys’ High School, a traditional South African rugby nursery that has produced generations of elite players.

“Rondebosch played a massive role in my life and I’m super grateful for the school and the people there. I loved my time at Bosch.

“Clint [former Ulster player Clinton van Rensburg] was massive. He was always someone I looked up to, not just as a coach but as a person. He’s an amazing human being and he spent a lot of time over in Ireland. He was one of the guys I spoke to a lot about coming over. He was very complimentary of Ireland and very excited for me to start a new journey. I’m very grateful for everything I learned from Clint over my time at Bosch.”

Now embedded in Dublin, Neill is part of the Leinster Academy set-up and aligned with Old Wesley RFC as he continues his development.

“I’ve joined the Leinster Academy and Old Wesley and they’ve all been very helpful. I’m just super excited for what’s next. Obviously, the next game is my biggest focus right now, but after the Six Nations hopefully I can get back and get training and get going.”

On the field, he has already made an impression in the Six Nations Under 20 Championship, operating primarily at blindside but comfortable across the back row. He’s already picked up two Man of the Match awards.

“I would say probably my best position is six, but I’m happy to play wherever the team needs me. I’ve played across the back row, six, seven, eight. I’ve started at lock a bit. Wherever I need to be, I’m happy because it’s just rugby at the end of the day. It’s just numbers on your back.”

Ireland’s win over England U20 has sharpened belief within the squad, though Neill insists standards remain higher internally than externally.

“I think it’s given us good belief and confidence, but I think the belief was always there. From how we’ve been training in the week, coming off that Italy performance and France as well, we knew we haven’t got to where we think we can get to. I still think there’s a lot more in this team, a lot more in these players.

“Looking to Wales, they’ve had some tough results. They haven’t won, but they’ve taken teams really deep. We fully understand there’s a massive challenge ahead of us. It’s a big pack. In the Six Nations you can never take your foot off the pedal.”

The decision, once hypothetical, is now settled.

“I’ve made my commitment towards Ireland and Leinster and that’s where I want to be. That’s the pathway I want to be in and I’m just enjoying it and grateful for the opportunity. It’s definitely where I want to be in the future.

“One day, that’s the end goal, to pull on the green Irish jersey.”