Irish Lions Watch
 Denis Hickie
(Leinster)
Denis Hickie has recovered extremely well since a ruptured Achilles tendon injury against Australia in the 2003 World Cup almost signalled the end of his career.
However after missing last year’s RBS Six Nations Championship and Ireland’s Triple Crown triumph Hickie was back in top form for the autumn internationals.
He also impressed in this year’s Six Nations and has admitted selection for the Lions tour is the pinnacle of his career.
Speed is the major component in Hickie’s attacking arsenal and when the ball is played over the top in front of him down the flanks he seldom loses a race for possession or a touchdown.
He said: “I’m delighted to be selected for a Lions tour and am hoping to do my best when I get out there. Until then I can’t wait.”
Hickie was also selected for the opening Lions warm up game
in the Millennium Stadium.
Factfile…
Position: Winger
Born: February 13, 1976.
Place of birth: Dublin
International debut: February 1, 1997 v Wales (Cardiff), W 26-25 (5N) (Aged: 20)
Last appearance: March 19, 2005 v Wales (Cardiff), L 32-20 (6N)
Total caps: 51
Career Record: P51, W30, L21
 Gordon d’Arcy
(Leinster)
Gordon D’Arcy had a sensational season in 2004 when he was voted the leading player in
the RBS Six Nations Championship.
However an injury in the opening game against the Italian in Rome denied him the opportunity of a repeat performance this year and has restricted his international action to just half an hour so far this season.
D’Arcy’s second coming to international rugby after a failed attempt to break through during the 1999 World Cup is at last beginning to reveal the Wexford man’s undoubted talent.
Having missed an opportunity to impress this spring D’Arcy will be eager to make it a long, hot summer for the All Blacks.
He said: “I want a starting place desperately. I’m not going out there just to be a tourist. Ask anyone in the 45 and that’s their attitude. My whole deal is I’m going to give it my all if I make the Test team.”
Factfile…
Position: Centre
Born: February 10, 1980.
Place of Birth: Wexford
International debut: October 15, 1999 v Romania (Dublin) W 44-14 (WC) (Aged: 19)
Last appearance: February 6, 2005 v Italy (Rome) W 28-17 (6N)
Total caps:12
International career record: P12, W10, L2.
 Shane Horgan
(Leinster)
Shane Horgan has been selected by Sir Clive Woodward for his versatility and he has proved himself on the wing or in the centre.
After a successful partnership with Brian O’Driscoll against South Africa in 2004, Horgan was again called to midfield duties in the recent RBS Six Nations Championship following Gordon D’Arcy’s injury in the opening game.
However, Horgan has spent most of his international career on the wing where his pace and strength have been most effective.
After ending this year’s RBS Six Nations campaign following an injury against England, Horgan will once again be keen to get back into action.
“I’m delighted to be making the trip to New Zealand and can’t wait to get out there,” he said. “It’s going to be extremely tough but it’s a tour every top player wants to be on.” The Leinster star made the Lions line-up for their opening warm-up game against Argentina in the Millennium Stadium and is sure to play a significant role in New Zealand next month.
Factfile…
Position: Winger
Born: February 13, 1976.
Place of birth: Dublin
International debut: February 1, 1997 v Wales (Cardiff), W 26-25 (5N) (Aged: 20)
Last appearance: March 19, 2005 v Wales (Cardiff), L 32-20 (6N)
Total caps: 51
Career Record: P51, W30, L21 |
