Jordan Larmour says enjoying his rugby helped return to form

Michael Bolton

Since his breakout in 2017, Jordan Larmour has always kept rugby fans on the edge of their seats, whether it is in the blue of Leinster or the green jersey for Ireland.

From his incredible pace and footwork to his ability to score in any situation, a fit and firing Larmour is always good news for province and country.

After much hype at the beginning of his career, injuries and a drop in form from 2021 lead to a difficult couple of seasons, which saw him miss out for Ireland, and some big moments for Leinster.

However, in 2024, the Leinster winger rediscovered his from, and forced his way back into the Ireland set up, where he started his first game in three seasons as Ireland retained their Six Nations crown.

Speaking ahead of Leinster's first home game of the season against the Dragons on Friday, Larmour said it was key to enjoy his rugby once again.

"I don't think I can put it down to one thing. I am always thriving to get better and be the best version of myself.

"That is turning up to training and training hard, that is in the gym, it is doing all you can to to give yourself the best opportunity.

"Last season I found a bit of form again, my confidence got back up, just really enjoying playing my rugby. Hoping to feel the same this year."

Larmour got off to a bright start as Leinster got the season underway with a bonus point win away to Edinburgh, with the 27-year-old among the try scorers.

This month was a year since the Rugby World Cup, which was the start of a long season for many of Ireland's players.

For Larmour, missing out on that squad was a huge disappointment, and was used as motivation to rediscover his form.

"Not making the world cup squad, that was a huge disappointment. I just set myself the goal of getting back into the Irish squad and put the head down and keep working hard and seeing areas I can improve on.

"At the end of last season, I was just really enjoying it overall. I was back playing with a smile on my face, and that just makes everything go that little bit easier."

With James Lowe, Jimmy O'Brien and Hugo Keenan all set to come back for Leinster, combined with the likes of Mack Hansen and Calvin Nash to compete with for Ireland, competition is stiff across the board.

For Larmour, he enjoys the depth in the squad, and says it is what Leinster need if they are to end the search for their first trophy since 2021.

"The competition we have here in Leinster is very high, everyone wants to put their hand up and get selected.

"I think you need that, especially if you want to win trophies, you have got to need a squad that trains hard, works hard for each other, and a squad that can just dig in.

"You saw at the weekend everyone was working hard for each other and digging in. Probably wasn't the prettiest rugby we played, but you kind of just need that in a squad.