1. The rivalry between himself and Jonny Sexton drew the best out of both players
(INPHO/James Crombie)
2. He always wore his heart on his sleeve
(INPHO/James Crombie)
3. His fondness for a bit of Queen
YouTube credit: tomtombreakfree
4. And his, erm, down-to-earth manner with the actual Queen
(INPHO/Dan Sheridan)
5. His ability to take a punch… Or 11
YouTube credit: Rugbyforlife V
6. His staunch patriotism
On England v Ireland:
7. His articulate interviews
YouTube credit: Conor Ryan
8. His coolness under pressure
YouTube credit: rte
YouTube credit: mountnugent1949
9. His willingness to accept his role as an impact sub during Ireland’s summer tour of New Zealand
“The most important thing, from a senior players’ point of view, is, inexperience or experience and whether you start or are in the 22, you have to make a positive impact when you come onto the pitch, whether it is one minute or 80 minutes. The sooner the 22 start believing and operating like that, I think, Ireland will be in a better place.”
10. His ability to inspire the most passionate reaction imaginable
YouTube credit: Trevphone
11. Winning meant everything to him
Via Tumblr
12. He created one of the most iconic tries in Irish rugby history
13. His ability to still look like a schoolboy after all these years
(Pictured in 1999 – INPHO/Andrew Paton)
What have we forgotten?