As many as 10 of Ireland’s Grand Slam winning squad from 2009 are expected to feature in the match.
This St Patrick’s Day, Ireland take on England in a Legends game at the RDS. The match will serve as a curtain-raiser to a potential Six Nations championship decider between Ireland and England and will be played in honour of the late Munster rugby legend Anthony Foley.
Former Irish players set to feature include Mick Galwey and Shane Byrne, as well as Grand Slam heroes Gordon D’Arcy, Jerry Flannery, Paddy Wallace and Ronan O’Gara.
Wallace, who started two games in that championship-winning campaign, told The Hard Yards rugby podcast that two extra names have expressed their interest in taking part – Paul O’Connell and Stephen Ferris.
Wallace, Flannery and former Ireland No.8 Victor Costello, who is also taking part, all spoke about dusting the rugby boots off and taking on The Auld Enemy [click play to listen from the 32:00 mark].
https://soundcloud.com/thehardyardssportsjoe/episode-5-the-real-nigel-owens-alternative-tactics-ireland-v-wales-and-grand-slam-memories
Both O’Connell and Ferris were hoping for cameo roles but there participation is depending on fitness. Wallace remarked that a recent neck niggle has even kept Ferris out of the gym, so it must be serious. Apparently both are vying for waterboy roles. Pretty terrifying waterboys…
Flannery is hoping that fellow hooker Shane Byrne, who is one of the main match organisers, will surely be tempted to start himself on the night so he is preparing himself for a super-sub role. He admitted:
“The only thing you worry about is getting injuries. I had to retire with my calf and I’ve only played one game since [a fundraiser for paralysed player Matt Hampson]… People think that we just rock up to play the game but I was nervous, I was so nervous.”
He added, “I know I’m going to be nervous for this game because you’ve played rugby for so long and it is part of your identity. You’d hate to go out an put in a really bad performance. It’s not the be all and end all for me but it still is important.
“I’ve played rugby my whole life and I love the game, so I’ll go out and do my best. What’s also interesting is there’s a lot of guys that I haven’t played with from that Irish legends team and, deep down, there’s a weird part of my that wants to impress them. You always want to win the respect of your peers when you play.”
Wallace will be in New York for the wedding of Ulster and Ireland player Darren Cave so admits that, and his five-a-side football, may not be the ideal preparation for the likes of Mike Tindall, Lewis Moody and Mark Cueto.
Ireland Legends v England Legends – Remembering Anthony Foley – will take place in the RDS on Friday, 17 March with kick-off at 6pm; tickets are currently available on Ticketmaster from €10. For more information check out IRUPA’s Facebook page or follow @IRUPA on Twitter.
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