Sam Prendergast: ‘People think we hate each other’ – Ireland fly-half on Jack Crowley battle

After the retirement of Johnny Sexton following the 2023 Rugby World Cup, there has been debate over whether Leinster fly-half Prendergast or Munster’s Crowley would become the long-term successor to one of Ireland’s most influential players.

Prendergast says he only feels “internal pressure” as he looks to cement his place as Ireland’s starting fly-half, and added it would be “awkward” if he didn’t get on with Crawley and Ciaran Frawley, who is another option at 10.

“The only pressure I feel is what is inside the group and what is inside me.

“Obviously you want to be the starting 10 for Ireland and Leinster, but I wouldn’t be listening to too much outside noise.

“It’s internal pressure, you want to be starting but there’s not too much of a rivalry with us. We work quite well together.”

Prendergast added that the trio do kicking sessions together on the team’s off days, and that will only help them progress together.

“It would be a bit awkward if we didn’t get along. We all kick in the same car to kicking and travel together.

“We all get on very well and give ideas in training or in meetings or stuff like that.

“It’s good to learn off each other. You would love to get infinite reps in training but you can’t. They are then getting reps and you can learn off their experience on a certain play or situation, so it’s very good.”