Blackrock College hooker Shane Byrne laughs at the suggestion that he is 28 going on 35. The popular misconception is that Leinster's most capped player ever must be ancient having graced the senior game for so long. Once again he has hauled himself to within striking distance of the national side, currently hooker to the Ireland A team.

Byrne has enjoyed one or two opportunities in the past to make and sustain a place in national squads but has failed to make the desired impact. An excellent competitor and a very fine reader of the game, Byrne appears to have overcome the throwing difficulties that periodically surfaced during his career. Always noted for his mobility and scrummaging strength, he has now added consistency to the cocktail.