Blackrock's Luke Fitzgerald went from schoolboy star to Ireland international within 12 months. Belvedere prop Cian Healy made the Grand Slam-winning Ireland under-20s last season before recently making his Heineken European Cup debut against Toulouse. Both have been selected for Ireland's extended Six Nations squad.
A year on from the 2007 Schools Cup we check on the progress of three other notable graduates.
David Kearney
School: Clongowes Wood College
Position: Fullback/wing
Who is he? Younger sibling of the Leinster and Ireland wing Rob, David was the outstanding attacker in last year's competition, playing a significant role in his school's march to the final.
And now? Plays for Lansdowne under-20s and is part of the Leinster sub-academy. Kearney impressed during the Leinster under-20s interprovincial success before Christmas and is being tipped to follow his brother into the senior squad. Expected to make the Ireland under-20s, on the wing, for the Six Nations and World Cup in Wales next June. Has time on his side too with another year underage in 2009. Buckets of potential and a massive boot.
Conor Cleary
School: St Michael's College
Position: Centre
Who is he? The first man to lead St Michael's to Senior Cup glory. Was a constant force over the past two years as the Aylesbury Road school finally attained their holy grail. A monster tackle on David Kearney in the final sticks in the memory.
And now? Featured for Ireland during last April's Under-19 World Cup in Belfast. Made the Leinster sub-academy and under-20s and is part of the Greystones All-Ireland League squad. Included in the Ireland under-20s extended squad but will be doing well to make the starting XV come the Six Nations.
Jason Harris-Wright
School: Blackrock College (previously Presentation College, Bray)
Position: Hooker (but a number eight in school)
Who is he? Captained Pres Bray to the JCT final in 2004 before switching allegiance for sixth year. But an injury hampered his cup campaign - Blackrock were dramatically dumped out by Kilkenny College in the quarter-finals - and prevented him reaching his full potential.
And now? Having featured as a replacement flanker in last April's Under-19 World Cup, he has been converted into a bristling hooker on the Leinster under-20s and sub-academy and the Greystones All-Ireland League squad. Is also expected to make the Ireland under-20s team or at least the bench.
