The Irish rugby team visited Pope John Paul II at the
Vatican today just 72 hours before they clash with Italy in the Six Nations Tournament.
The players were photographed with the Pope after attending an audience at the Aula Nerva to which many Irish fans were also invited.
After the visit the players returned to less spiritual pursuits, training on a field rendered muddy by constant rain in the Italian capital.
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One wag in the Irish team was heard to remark that he hoped veteran Irish prop Peter Clohessy did not ask for a confession as that would mean the team would have to stay in the Vatican for several days.
AFP