Irish Exiles
Encyclopedia
The Irish Exiles were created by Tom Kiernan
in 1989 to give Irish-qualified rugby union players in Britain and France the opportunity to play for an Irish representational side and thus potentially strengthen the full Irish team
. Many famous Irish players have turned out for the Exiles while they were playing their club rugby abroad.
The outcome was that the Exiles were established as a formal Sub-Committee of the Irish Rugby Football Union. The primary intention of the organization was clear: to strengthen Irish Rugby by the recruitment of first- and second- generation Irish-qualified players from the ranks of those playing in England, Scotland, Wales & France. A secondary function was to act as a conduit for those Irish players who had become ‘voluntary Exiles’, i.e. they had moved from Ireland, to further their career.
Tom Kiernan remained Chair of the Exiles for a number of years of distinguished service. The first ‘local’ Chair of the Sub-Committee was Irish international Dr. Barry O’Driscoll (still with the committee) and the Secretary/Treasurer was the late David Donovan. An Under 21/Student section and committee was also established, the Chair being Walter Jones and the Secretary John Hunter.
The format was thus established in that we would produce Exiles representative XVs at both senior and under 21/student levels. The first two seasons saw friendly fixtures take place, e.g. versus Ulster at Ravenhill and versus the Welsh Exiles senior XV; (both the Welsh and Scottish unions saw merit in going down the same road as us). The first senior XV Coach was British & Irish Lion Dr. Ken Kennedy.
The Exiles were invited to participate in the IRFU Inter-Provincial Championships for the 1992/93 season. Entry into the Inter-Provincial Championship brought its own problems – and, fortunately, solutions. The need to have the players (from all over the country plus France) together for training was paramount. Financing was found and the Exiles went into that first championship very well prepared.
The Exiles eventually became a fully-fledged Branch of the IRFU and Irish international Feidlim MacLoughlin was their first President; Barry O'Driscoll simultaneously became their first representative on the IRFU Committee.
Irish internationals continued to emerge from the ranks, e.g. Christian Saverimutto, Justin Fitzpatrick, and the current tally shows that nineteen Exiles players have played senior International Rugby since our formation, including all the aforementioned. This number includes two British & Irish Lions – Simon Easterby (2005) and Rob Henderson (2001) – and Simon added to his honours by captaining Ireland in the autumn internationals 2005.
Another milestone was reached in 2005 when Mark Bruce became our first Sevens international for Ireland. He was joined in 2008 by Richard Briggs, when the Ireland Sevens Coach became Exile Jon Skurr (the former Ireland U21 international) and the side was captained by Exile Kieran Campbell (the 15s international scrum-half). Jon & Kieran retained their places for the 2009 World Cup.
The continuity factor can be demonstrated by the fact that five of the original sub-committee are still actively involved, with John O’Driscoll now President and Feidlim MacLoughlin now the Exile's representative on the IRFU Committee. The ‘next generation’ of committee members is also emerging, with the above-mentioned Simon Mason having been elected on to the Branch Committee on his return to England in 2005.
Tom Kiernan
Thomas Joseph Kiernan is a former Ireland international rugby union player. He won 54 caps for Ireland as a full-back between 1960 and 1973 and captained his country 24 times. At the time of his retirement he was Ireland's most-capped player, most experienced captain and record scorer in...
in 1989 to give Irish-qualified rugby union players in Britain and France the opportunity to play for an Irish representational side and thus potentially strengthen the full Irish team
Ireland national rugby union team
The Ireland national rugby union team represents the island of Ireland in rugby union. The team competes annually in the Six Nations Championship and every four years in the Rugby World Cup, where they reached the quarter-final stage in all but two competitions The Ireland national rugby union...
. Many famous Irish players have turned out for the Exiles while they were playing their club rugby abroad.
Origins
The Irish Exiles organisation was the brain-child, in 1989, of Tom Kiernan, the former British & Irish Lion and Ireland Captain, and thereafter an influential member of the International Board. Kiernan pulled together a meeting in London of ‘exiled’ rugby personnel in England (predominately), many of whom remain involved in Irish rugby to this day e.g. Noel Traynor (later to become the London Irish President), the former Munster prop Tom Hennessy, and others named herein.The outcome was that the Exiles were established as a formal Sub-Committee of the Irish Rugby Football Union. The primary intention of the organization was clear: to strengthen Irish Rugby by the recruitment of first- and second- generation Irish-qualified players from the ranks of those playing in England, Scotland, Wales & France. A secondary function was to act as a conduit for those Irish players who had become ‘voluntary Exiles’, i.e. they had moved from Ireland, to further their career.
Tom Kiernan remained Chair of the Exiles for a number of years of distinguished service. The first ‘local’ Chair of the Sub-Committee was Irish international Dr. Barry O’Driscoll (still with the committee) and the Secretary/Treasurer was the late David Donovan. An Under 21/Student section and committee was also established, the Chair being Walter Jones and the Secretary John Hunter.
The format was thus established in that we would produce Exiles representative XVs at both senior and under 21/student levels. The first two seasons saw friendly fixtures take place, e.g. versus Ulster at Ravenhill and versus the Welsh Exiles senior XV; (both the Welsh and Scottish unions saw merit in going down the same road as us). The first senior XV Coach was British & Irish Lion Dr. Ken Kennedy.
The Exiles were invited to participate in the IRFU Inter-Provincial Championships for the 1992/93 season. Entry into the Inter-Provincial Championship brought its own problems – and, fortunately, solutions. The need to have the players (from all over the country plus France) together for training was paramount. Financing was found and the Exiles went into that first championship very well prepared.
The Exiles eventually became a fully-fledged Branch of the IRFU and Irish international Feidlim MacLoughlin was their first President; Barry O'Driscoll simultaneously became their first representative on the IRFU Committee.
Irish internationals continued to emerge from the ranks, e.g. Christian Saverimutto, Justin Fitzpatrick, and the current tally shows that nineteen Exiles players have played senior International Rugby since our formation, including all the aforementioned. This number includes two British & Irish Lions – Simon Easterby (2005) and Rob Henderson (2001) – and Simon added to his honours by captaining Ireland in the autumn internationals 2005.
Another milestone was reached in 2005 when Mark Bruce became our first Sevens international for Ireland. He was joined in 2008 by Richard Briggs, when the Ireland Sevens Coach became Exile Jon Skurr (the former Ireland U21 international) and the side was captained by Exile Kieran Campbell (the 15s international scrum-half). Jon & Kieran retained their places for the 2009 World Cup.
The Professional Era
The onset of professional rugby changed our perspectives. The emphasis had moved to player development in the U17-21 age-groups, with fixtures at U18 and U19 levels predominating. The success of this strategy can be seen by the number of age-group internationals we have produced for Ireland in recent years. This reached its zenith in season 2005-06 when they had a record number of fourteen players capped collectively at U21, U19 and U18 levels.The continuity factor can be demonstrated by the fact that five of the original sub-committee are still actively involved, with John O’Driscoll now President and Feidlim MacLoughlin now the Exile's representative on the IRFU Committee. The ‘next generation’ of committee members is also emerging, with the above-mentioned Simon Mason having been elected on to the Branch Committee on his return to England in 2005.
Exiles who represented the Irish national team
- Justin BishopJustin Bishop (rugby player)Justin Patrick Bishop, is a rugby union footballer who played at wing and full-back for London Irish until the end of the 2006/2007 season. He made 279 appearances for the London Irish first XV scoring 58 tries, registering 290 points in the process. He also made 25 appearances for Ireland scoring...
(London IrishLondon IrishLondon Irish RFC is an English rugby union club based in Sunbury, Surrey, where the senior squad train, the youth teams and senior academy play home games, and the club maintain their administrative offices. The senior squad play home games at the Madejski Stadium in Reading and compete in the top...
) - Kieran CampbellKieran CampbellKieran Campbell is a former Irish scrumhalf who currently plays for Connacht in the Magners League. Born in Hillingdon to an Irish father and Sri Lankan mother he was a key player for Gunnersbury Catholic School and helped them reach the last eight of the Daily Mail school's cup and to win the...
(London IrishLondon IrishLondon Irish RFC is an English rugby union club based in Sunbury, Surrey, where the senior squad train, the youth teams and senior academy play home games, and the club maintain their administrative offices. The senior squad play home games at the Madejski Stadium in Reading and compete in the top...
, ConnachtConnacht RugbyConnacht Rugby is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Connacht that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 comprising teams from the Celtic nations plus Italy. Normally, it also competes in the second-tier pan-European club competition, the European Challenge Cup...
) - David CurtisDavid CurtisDavid Michael Curtis is a former Irish rugby union international. He also played some first-class cricket while at Oxford University....
(London IrishLondon IrishLondon Irish RFC is an English rugby union club based in Sunbury, Surrey, where the senior squad train, the youth teams and senior academy play home games, and the club maintain their administrative offices. The senior squad play home games at the Madejski Stadium in Reading and compete in the top...
) - Guy EasterbyGuy EasterbyGuy Easterby is a former rugby union player for Ireland. He is currently team manager of Leinster alongside head coach Josef Schmidt.His father is English and his mother Irish...
(RotherhamRotherham R.U.F.C.Rotherham Rugby Union Football Club, or Rotherham Titans are a professional rugby union team from Rotherham, Yorkshire, currently playing in the English RFU Championship-History:...
, London ScottishLondon Scottish F.C.London Scottish Football Club is a rugby union club in England. It is a member of both the Rugby Football Union and the Scottish Rugby Union.-History:...
, Ebbw ValeEbbw Vale RFCEbbw Vale Rugby Football Club is a Welsh Rugby Union Club based in the town of Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent, South Wales. The club currently play in the WRU Division One East and the SWALEC Cup. It also acts as a feeder club for the Newport Gwent Dragons....
, Llanelli, LeinsterLeinster RugbyLeinster Rugby, usually referred to simply as Leinster, is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Dublin, representing the Irish province of Leinster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro 12 and also competes in the Heineken Cup...
) - Simon EasterbySimon EasterbySimon Easterby is an English-born Irish rugby union footballer. He plays for Scarlets, for whom he is a player-coach, and is a recently retired Ireland international. His regular position is at blindside flanker, but he is equally adept on the openside.-Early life:Easterby's father is English and...
(Llanelli) - David Erskine (SaleSale SharksSale Sharks are a professional rugby union club who play in England in the Aviva Premiership.The club is an offshoot of Sale FC, which is based at Heywood Road in Sale, Greater Manchester, but Sharks currently play in Stockport at Edgeley Park, ground sharing with Stockport County F.C.Part of the...
) - Justin FitzpatrickJustin FitzpatrickJustin Fitzpatrick is an Irish rugby union footballer. He plays for Ulster. He made his debut for the senior Ireland team in a 13–37 defeat against South Africa on June 13, 1998 going on to win 26 caps.-External links:*...
(London IrishLondon IrishLondon Irish RFC is an English rugby union club based in Sunbury, Surrey, where the senior squad train, the youth teams and senior academy play home games, and the club maintain their administrative offices. The senior squad play home games at the Madejski Stadium in Reading and compete in the top...
, UlsterUlster RugbyUlster Rugby, usually referred to simply as Ulster, is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Belfast, representing the Irish province of Ulster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 and also competes in the Heineken Cup...
) - Simon GeogheganSimon GeogheganSimon Patrick Geoghegan is a former Irish rugby union footballer who played at wing in England for London Irish and Bath and in the Irish Inter-provincial Championships for Connacht Rugby and the Exiles...
(London IrishLondon IrishLondon Irish RFC is an English rugby union club based in Sunbury, Surrey, where the senior squad train, the youth teams and senior academy play home games, and the club maintain their administrative offices. The senior squad play home games at the Madejski Stadium in Reading and compete in the top...
, BathBath RugbyBath Rugby is an English professional rugby union club that is based in the city of Bath. They play in the Aviva Premiership league...
) - Gary Halpin (London IrishLondon IrishLondon Irish RFC is an English rugby union club based in Sunbury, Surrey, where the senior squad train, the youth teams and senior academy play home games, and the club maintain their administrative offices. The senior squad play home games at the Madejski Stadium in Reading and compete in the top...
) - Rob HendersonRob HendersonRobert Alexander James Henderson is a rugby union footballer who plays at centre for Esher RFC. He has represented Ireland with 32 caps and toured with the 2001 British and Irish Lions....
(London IrishLondon IrishLondon Irish RFC is an English rugby union club based in Sunbury, Surrey, where the senior squad train, the youth teams and senior academy play home games, and the club maintain their administrative offices. The senior squad play home games at the Madejski Stadium in Reading and compete in the top...
, WaspsLondon WaspsLondon Wasps is an English professional rugby union team. The men's first team, which forms London Wasps, was derived from Wasps Football Club who were formed in 1867 at the now defunct Eton and Middlesex Tavern in North London, at the turn of professionalism in 1999...
, MunsterMunster RugbyMunster Rugby is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Munster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 and Heineken Cup.The team represents the Irish Rugby Football Union Munster Branch which is one of four primary branches of the IRFU, and is responsible for rugby union in the Irish...
) - Kevin MaggsKevin MaggsKevin Michael Maggs is a former Irish rugby union Centre, he is currently player/coach with Moseley, he previously played for Bristol, Bath, Ulster and Rotherham Titans....
(BristolBristol RugbyBristol Rugby is a rugby union club based in Bristol, England. The club currently plays in the RFU Championship and competes in the British and Irish Cup. They rely in large part on the many junior rugby clubs in the region, particularly those from 'the Combination'...
, BathBath RugbyBath Rugby is an English professional rugby union club that is based in the city of Bath. They play in the Aviva Premiership league...
, UlsterUlster RugbyUlster Rugby, usually referred to simply as Ulster, is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Belfast, representing the Irish province of Ulster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 and also competes in the Heineken Cup...
) - Simon Mason (OrrellOrrell R.U.F.C.Orrell Rugby Union Football Club is a rugby union team from the Orrell area of the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan, Greater Manchester.The club were founded in 1927, holding a place in the top-tier of rugby union from 1986 to 1997.-1927–1939:...
, RichmondRichmond F.C.Richmond Football Club is a rugby union club from Richmond, London. It is a founding member of the Rugby Football Union, and is one of the oldest football clubs...
, UlsterUlster RugbyUlster Rugby, usually referred to simply as Ulster, is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Belfast, representing the Irish province of Ulster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 and also competes in the Heineken Cup...
) - Ross Nesdale (NewcastleNewcastle FalconsThe Newcastle Falcons is an English rugby union team currently playing in the Aviva Premiership. The club was established in 1877 and played under the name of Gosforth Football Club until 1990. The name was then changed to Newcastle Gosforth and the club began to play at Kingston Park stadium in...
) - Dion O'CuinneagainDion O'CuinneagainDion O'Cuinneagain is a former rugby union player who represented both South Africa and Ireland. Since retiring as a rugby player, O'Cuinneagain has worked as a doctor and as a rugby coach.-Early years:...
(SaleSale SharksSale Sharks are a professional rugby union club who play in England in the Aviva Premiership.The club is an offshoot of Sale FC, which is based at Heywood Road in Sale, Greater Manchester, but Sharks currently play in Stockport at Edgeley Park, ground sharing with Stockport County F.C.Part of the...
) - Dylan O'Grady (SaleSale SharksSale Sharks are a professional rugby union club who play in England in the Aviva Premiership.The club is an offshoot of Sale FC, which is based at Heywood Road in Sale, Greater Manchester, but Sharks currently play in Stockport at Edgeley Park, ground sharing with Stockport County F.C.Part of the...
) - Nick PopplewellNick PopplewellNick Popplewell is an Irish former rugby union player who won 48 caps for his country between 1989 and 1998. He played club rugby for Greystones RFC and the Newcastle Falcons. He started all 3 tests for the British & Irish Lions on the tour to New Zealand in 1993-External links:*...
(WaspsLondon WaspsLondon Wasps is an English professional rugby union team. The men's first team, which forms London Wasps, was derived from Wasps Football Club who were formed in 1867 at the now defunct Eton and Middlesex Tavern in North London, at the turn of professionalism in 1999...
, NewcastleNewcastle FalconsThe Newcastle Falcons is an English rugby union team currently playing in the Aviva Premiership. The club was established in 1877 and played under the name of Gosforth Football Club until 1990. The name was then changed to Newcastle Gosforth and the club began to play at Kingston Park stadium in...
, LeinsterLeinster RugbyLeinster Rugby, usually referred to simply as Leinster, is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Dublin, representing the Irish province of Leinster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro 12 and also competes in the Heineken Cup...
) - Rhys RuddockRhys RuddockRhys Ruddock is a professional rugby union player. He currently plays for St Mary's College RFC and Leinster Rugby. He plays in the backrow, at 6 or 8. In the 2009/2010 season, he captained the Irish U20s to winning the Six Nations Championship.Rhys is the son of former and Leinster coach Mike...
(LeinsterLeinster RugbyLeinster Rugby, usually referred to simply as Leinster, is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Dublin, representing the Irish province of Leinster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro 12 and also competes in the Heineken Cup...
) - Rob Saunders (London IrishLondon IrishLondon Irish RFC is an English rugby union club based in Sunbury, Surrey, where the senior squad train, the youth teams and senior academy play home games, and the club maintain their administrative offices. The senior squad play home games at the Madejski Stadium in Reading and compete in the top...
) - Chris Saverimutto (SaleSale SharksSale Sharks are a professional rugby union club who play in England in the Aviva Premiership.The club is an offshoot of Sale FC, which is based at Heywood Road in Sale, Greater Manchester, but Sharks currently play in Stockport at Edgeley Park, ground sharing with Stockport County F.C.Part of the...
) - Jim StaplesJim Staples (rugby player)James Edward Staples is a former Irish rugby union footballer. He played as a fullback.He had 26 caps for Ireland, scoring 5 tries and 2 conversions, 25 points in aggregate. He played club rugby for London Irish and Harlequins...
(London IrishLondon IrishLondon Irish RFC is an English rugby union club based in Sunbury, Surrey, where the senior squad train, the youth teams and senior academy play home games, and the club maintain their administrative offices. The senior squad play home games at the Madejski Stadium in Reading and compete in the top...
, HarlequinsHarlequin F.C.The Harlequin Football Club is an English rugby union team who play in the top level of English rugby, the Aviva Premiership. Their ground in London is Twickenham Stoop...
) - Dan TuohyDan TuohyDan Tuohy is an Ireland international rugby union player, currently playing for Ulster Rugby. He plays as a lock.-Career:Tuohy started rugby on the wing for Weston-super-Mare R.F.C...
(GloucesterGloucester RFCGloucester Rugby are a professional English rugby union club situated in the west country city of Gloucester. The club plays in the domestic Aviva Premiership...
, ExeterExeter ChiefsExeter Rugby Club are a rugby union club based in Exeter, Devon.The Exeter club was formed around 1871 and played its first match in 1873. The first team has been rebranded as the Exeter Chiefs and play in a strip of Black , White ....
, UlsterUlster RugbyUlster Rugby, usually referred to simply as Ulster, is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Belfast, representing the Irish province of Ulster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 and also competes in the Heineken Cup...
)
Other notable players
- Keith Barrett (London IrishLondon IrishLondon Irish RFC is an English rugby union club based in Sunbury, Surrey, where the senior squad train, the youth teams and senior academy play home games, and the club maintain their administrative offices. The senior squad play home games at the Madejski Stadium in Reading and compete in the top...
) - Clem Boyd (BedfordBedford BluesBedford Blues is a rugby union club in the town of Bedford, England, currently playing in The RFU Championship. Bedford is one of the largest towns in England without a league football club, and one of the few towns in England where the rugby club is better supported than the football team. The...
, BathBath RugbyBath Rugby is an English professional rugby union club that is based in the city of Bath. They play in the Aviva Premiership league...
, UlsterUlster RugbyUlster Rugby, usually referred to simply as Ulster, is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Belfast, representing the Irish province of Ulster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 and also competes in the Heineken Cup...
& Ireland U-21sIreland national under-20 rugby union teamThe Ireland under 20 rugby team was formed in 2006. In 2007 they won the Grand Slam at the under 20 Six Nations. The current coach is Mike Ruddock.-Current squad:Squad at the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship .-External links:* at Irish Rugby.ie...
) - Richard Briggs (Ireland SevensIreland national rugby union team (sevens)The Ireland national rugby union sevens team have previously competed in the IRB Sevens World Series and Rugby World Cup Sevens. Although there is no permanent team at present, there may well be in the future.-Results:...
) - Mark Bruce (Ireland SevensIreland national rugby union team (sevens)The Ireland national rugby union sevens team have previously competed in the IRB Sevens World Series and Rugby World Cup Sevens. Although there is no permanent team at present, there may well be in the future.-Results:...
) - Declan DanaherDeclan DanaherDeclan Danaher is a rugby union footballer who plays at back row for London Irish in the Aviva Premiership.-Club career:Danaher joined London Irish in 1999, making his debut against Gloucester Rugby in May 2000....
(London IrishLondon IrishLondon Irish RFC is an English rugby union club based in Sunbury, Surrey, where the senior squad train, the youth teams and senior academy play home games, and the club maintain their administrative offices. The senior squad play home games at the Madejski Stadium in Reading and compete in the top...
& England AEngland SaxonsEngland Saxons is the current name of England's men's second national rugby union team. The team has previously been known by a number of names, such as England B, Emerging England and, most recently, England A...
) - Adrian FlavinAdrian FlavinAdrian Flavin is a Professional Rugby Player for Connacht, having signed for them from London Irish in 2006, he had spent his entire rugby career with The Exiles up to that point....
(London IrishLondon IrishLondon Irish RFC is an English rugby union club based in Sunbury, Surrey, where the senior squad train, the youth teams and senior academy play home games, and the club maintain their administrative offices. The senior squad play home games at the Madejski Stadium in Reading and compete in the top...
& Ireland A) - Shane GeraghtyShane GeraghtyShane Geraghty is an English rugby union player who plays for CA Brive in the Top 14.Geraghty's position of choice is as a Centre or at Fly-half.-Early life:...
(London IrishLondon IrishLondon Irish RFC is an English rugby union club based in Sunbury, Surrey, where the senior squad train, the youth teams and senior academy play home games, and the club maintain their administrative offices. The senior squad play home games at the Madejski Stadium in Reading and compete in the top...
& EnglandEngland national rugby union teamThe England national rugby union team represents England in rugby union. They compete in the annual Six Nations Championship with France, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and Wales. They have won this championship on 26 occasions, 12 times winning the Grand Slam, making them the most successful team in...
) - Rob HoadleyRob HoadleyRob Hoadley born 28 March 1980 in Hammersmith, London, England is a rugby union player released by London Wasps in 2008. Rob Hoadley's position of choice on the rugby pitch is as a centre. However, off the pitch, Rob plays darts at the Nelson Pub in Whitton, where he competes in the Monday Night...
(London IrishLondon IrishLondon Irish RFC is an English rugby union club based in Sunbury, Surrey, where the senior squad train, the youth teams and senior academy play home games, and the club maintain their administrative offices. The senior squad play home games at the Madejski Stadium in Reading and compete in the top...
, WaspsLondon WaspsLondon Wasps is an English professional rugby union team. The men's first team, which forms London Wasps, was derived from Wasps Football Club who were formed in 1867 at the now defunct Eton and Middlesex Tavern in North London, at the turn of professionalism in 1999...
) - Matt Keenan (London IrishLondon IrishLondon Irish RFC is an English rugby union club based in Sunbury, Surrey, where the senior squad train, the youth teams and senior academy play home games, and the club maintain their administrative offices. The senior squad play home games at the Madejski Stadium in Reading and compete in the top...
& Western SamoaSamoa national rugby union teamThe Manu Samoa is the men's representative side of the Samoa Rugby Union in both the 15's and the 7's for international competitions. The Samoa Rugby Union is owned by the affiliated rugby unions of Samoa. In Samoa, Manu Samoa is in honour of a famous Samoan warrior. From 1924 to 1997 Samoa was...
) - Andy KyriacouAndy KyriacouAndy Kyriacou is an English-born Irish rugby union footballer who plays at hooker for Ulster Rugby. He has also represented Saracens, Leeds Carnegie , Sale Sharks as well as appearing for Munster Rugby on loan. On the international stage he has represented England at Under 21 level...
(SaleSale SharksSale Sharks are a professional rugby union club who play in England in the Aviva Premiership.The club is an offshoot of Sale FC, which is based at Heywood Road in Sale, Greater Manchester, but Sharks currently play in Stockport at Edgeley Park, ground sharing with Stockport County F.C.Part of the...
, Leeds, SaracensSaracens F.C.Saracens are a professional rugby union team based in St. Albans, England – although they play their home games at Vicarage Road, in Watford. They are currently members of the Aviva Premiership, the top level of domestic rugby union in England...
& Ireland A) - Ed O'DonoghueEd O'DonoghueEd O'Donoghue is an Irish rugby union player for Leinster Rugby in the Magners League competition.-Position:O'Donoghue's position of choice is as a lock and he can also operate as a flanker.-Rugby career:...
(NorthamptonNorthampton SaintsNorthampton Saints are a professional rugby union club from Northampton, England. The Northampton Saints were formed in 1880. They play in green, black and gold colours. They play their home games at Franklin's Gardens, which has a capacity of 13,591....
, Worcester, UlsterUlster RugbyUlster Rugby, usually referred to simply as Ulster, is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Belfast, representing the Irish province of Ulster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 and also competes in the Heineken Cup...
, LeinsterLeinster RugbyLeinster Rugby, usually referred to simply as Leinster, is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Dublin, representing the Irish province of Leinster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro 12 and also competes in the Heineken Cup...
& Ireland A) - Ciaran Ruddock (Ireland U-20sIreland national under-20 rugby union teamThe Ireland under 20 rugby team was formed in 2006. In 2007 they won the Grand Slam at the under 20 Six Nations. The current coach is Mike Ruddock.-Current squad:Squad at the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship .-External links:* at Irish Rugby.ie...
) - Jon Skurr (Ireland SevensIreland national rugby union team (sevens)The Ireland national rugby union sevens team have previously competed in the IRB Sevens World Series and Rugby World Cup Sevens. Although there is no permanent team at present, there may well be in the future.-Results:...
) - Dan TuohyDan TuohyDan Tuohy is an Ireland international rugby union player, currently playing for Ulster Rugby. He plays as a lock.-Career:Tuohy started rugby on the wing for Weston-super-Mare R.F.C...
(GloucesterGloucester RFCGloucester Rugby are a professional English rugby union club situated in the west country city of Gloucester. The club plays in the domestic Aviva Premiership...
, ExeterExeter ChiefsExeter Rugby Club are a rugby union club based in Exeter, Devon.The Exeter club was formed around 1871 and played its first match in 1873. The first team has been rebranded as the Exeter Chiefs and play in a strip of Black , White ....
, UlsterUlster RugbyUlster Rugby, usually referred to simply as Ulster, is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Belfast, representing the Irish province of Ulster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 and also competes in the Heineken Cup...
) - Barry Walsh (London IrishLondon IrishLondon Irish RFC is an English rugby union club based in Sunbury, Surrey, where the senior squad train, the youth teams and senior academy play home games, and the club maintain their administrative offices. The senior squad play home games at the Madejski Stadium in Reading and compete in the top...
& Ireland A)