…of the professional era.
Cian Healy has joined the already completed backline of Ireland’s Greatest XV of the Professional Era.
The Leinster prop, who is currently battling to make the World Cup, held off competition from Nick Popplewell, Marcus Horan and Peter Clohessy to claim the No.1 jersey.
Now, we need your help in choosing a hooker for him to pack down beside.
Keith Wood was Irish rugby’s only genuine world-class player from 1995 until Brian O’Driscoll showed up to lighten the load. A talismanic figure for his country. Wood was respected by opponents the world over, scored 15 tries in 58 Tests and toured twice with the British & Irish Lions.
Jerry Flannery played 41 games for Ireland over a seven-year period that included two Triple Crowns and a Six Nations championship that also included a Grand Slam. Made the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour but injury prevented him from featuring in the Test Series. Constantly took the attack to opponents and his throwing was spot on. Injury forced him to retire during the 2011 World Cup.
Rory Best fought it out with Flannery for the No.2 jersey but took his chance when he was given a run of starts. A pivotal figure in the 2014 and 2015 Six Nations wins, has captained his country well and is effectively deployed as an extra loose forward. The British & Irish Lion loves a turnover.
