THERE WE HAVE it then. Ireland’s Rugby World Cup squad has been signed, sealed and submitted to World Rugby.
It can’t be overstated how much inclusion means to a professional. It is the pinnacle of their sport, an event that comes but once ever four years and it brings promises of fame, fortune – but more importantly – photos.
Some tried to hide their satisfaction at being included. Some rocked a just-out-of-bed look while others were more on the just-out-of-the-sunbed-and-salon vibe.
But Darren Cave stole the show for us.
Darren Cave - Age: 28. Caps: 9. First RWC.
Jamie Heaslip - Age: 31. Caps: 74. 5 appearances in RWC 2011.
Robbie Henshaw - Age: 22. Caps: 11. First RWC.
Nathan White - Age: 33. Caps: 2. First RWC.
Jonathan Sexton - Age: 30. Caps: 52. 5 appearances in RWC 2011.
Jared Payne - Age: 29. Caps: 7. First RWC
Donnacha Ryan - Age: 31. Caps: 30. 3 appearances in 2011.
Richardt Strauss - Age 29. Caps: 9. First RWC.
Eoin Reddan - Age: 34 Caps: 63. 7 appearances across RWC '07 and '11.
Keith Earls - Age: 27 Caps: 41. 5 appearances in RWC 2011.
Rory Best - Age: 33 Caps: 84. 7 appearances across '07 and '11 RWCs.
Dave Kearney - Age: 26. Caps: 9. First RWC.
Sean Cronin - Age: 29 Caps: 45. 2 appearances in 2011.
Rob Kearney - Age: 29 Caps: 63. 4 appearances in RWC 2011.
Cian Healy - Age: 27. Caps: 51. 4 appearances in RWC 2011.
Chris Henry - Age: 30. Caps: 18. First RWC.
Mike Ross - Age: 35. Caps: 51. 5 appearances in RWC 2011.
Devin Toner - Age 29. Caps: 26. First RWC
Ian Madigan - Age: 26. Caps: 20. First RWC.
Jack McGrath - Age: 25. Caps: 19. First RWC
Simon Zebo - Age: 25. Caps: 17. First RWC.
Sean O'Brien - Age: 28 Caps: 36. 4 appearances in RWC 2011.
Luke Fitzgerald - Age: 27. Caps: 30. First RWC.
Tadgh Furlong - Age: 22. Caps: 1. First RWC.
Jordi Murphy - Age: 24. Caps: 12. First RWC.
Peter O'Mahony - Age: 25. Caps: 31. First RWC.
Conor Murray - Age: 26. Caps: 36. 4 appearances in RWC 2011.
Tommy Bowe - Age 31. Caps: 62. 4 appearances at RWC 2011.
Iain Henderson - Age: 23. Caps: 19. First RWC.
Paddy Jackson - Age: 23. Caps: 12. First RWC.
Paul O'Connell - Age: 35. Caps: 103. 13 appearances across '03, '07 and '11 RWCs.
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Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO" title="">
The Ulster centre was a surprise inclusion in Joe Schmidt’s squad an looks every inch of it standing in front of the camera with a smile brighter than Billy Stickland’s flash.
Enjoy it, DC.
