Q. Age you started playing rugby?
A. I started with Galwegians’ U8’s, but i didn’t keep it up and stopped playing at the end of the season. I only went back playing rugby when I was in 6thyear in the Bish.
Q. First Year in Wegians Seniors?
A. My first year with the Wegians Seniors was the 2005/06 season, where I played a couple of games towards the end of the season.
Q. Connacht Career start & end?
A. Played my first game in a pre-season friendly at the start of the 2006/07 season. I finished with Connacht at the end of the 2017/18 season.
Q. No. of caps?
A. 156
Q. Career Highlights?
A. Definitely winning the Pro12 in 2016! Everything else is a distant second.
Q. Best Coach Ever Played Under?
A. I played under a number of excellent coaches during my time, including Michael Bradley, Eric Elwood, Dan McFarland and Pat Lam. However, I found Jimmy Duffy (Connacht Forwards Coach) to be the best.
Q. Best Teammate?
A. Again, I’ve played with a huge amount of excellent players. For sheer presence, toughness and work ethic, it has to be John Muldoon.
Q. Toughest opponent?
Leone Nakarawa
Q. Greatest Influence on Your Career?
A. My older brother Damian. Not just for my rugby career, but also for the high standards which he sets in general day to day life
Q. Coaching Career to Date …
A. Connacht: Position specific workshops with underage teams. U17 Academy (short term). Galwegians defence coach 2018/19. Galwegians Head coach 2019/20.
Q. Ambitions for Wegians Seniors this Year?
A. Ambitions are to consolidate our position for the year. Having had 4 bad years, it’s about stopping the slide. I think it’s important to be realistic about this. We also need to work with the other teams throughout the club to create a positive and encouraging environment, where people are excited to come in to.
Q. Personal Career?
A. Outside of rugby I’m going back to NUIG to do a Masters in Education. Having completed my degree in Economics and Geography a few years ago, I believe this is the right direction for me at this time. Teaching and coaching also compliment each other very well so it will only help develop each aspect. Long term I would like to see myself pursuing coaching at a higher level. Staying involved in the game with Wegians during my time in college will be hugely beneficial.
