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John Hayes (rugby union)

John Hayes
Front Row At The Ruck.jpg
John Hayes (Green far left).
Full name John James Hayes
Date of birth (1973-11-02) 2 November 1973 (age 43)
Place of birth Dromsally, Cappamore, Co. Limerick, Republic of Ireland
Height 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight 20 st 2lb (128 kg)
Notable relative(s) Tommy Hayes (Brother)
Rugby union career
Playing career
Position Prop
Amateur clubs
Years Club / team    
Professional / senior clubs
Years Club / team Caps (points)
1998–2011 Munster 217 (20)
Correct as of 27 Dec 2011
National team(s)
Years Club / team Caps (points)
2000–11
2005, 2009
Ireland
Lions
105
2
(10)
(0)
Correct as of 7 Aug 2011
Amateur clubs
Years Club / team    
Professional / senior clubs
Years Club / team Caps (points)
1998–2011 Munster 217 (20)
Correct as of 27 Dec 2011
National team(s)
Years Club / team Caps (points)
2000–11
2005, 2009
Ireland
Lions
105
2
(10)
(0)
Correct as of 7 Aug 2011

John Hayes (born 2 November 1973) is a retired Irish rugby union player who played in the Pro 12 and Heineken Cup for Munster. He didn't start playing rugby until he was 18; prior to this he played with the local Cappamore GAA club. It was his size (6 ft 4 in, 19 stone) that enabled him to overcome his late start to the sport. He continues to "follow GAA in Limerick very much and especially hurling".

He first played rugby as a wing forward in a Munster Junior League match for Bruff R.F.C. against Newcastle West R.F.C.

Hayes was introduced to the game of rugby union by friends when he joined the local Rugby Club, Bruff R.F.C. based in County Limerick. He then moved up a grade when he joined Shannon R.F.C. before travelling to Invercargill, New Zealand. During his stay in Invercargill, he changed position from Second Row to Prop Forward because he had "bulked up". On his return, he rejoined Shannon R.F.C. and gained his place on the Munster squad. He later rejoined his original club, Bruff RFC, when they joined the AIL as a senior club in 2004.

In September 2012, he released his autobiography The Bull: My Story, which details his sporting life. On 5 October 2012, he appeared as a guest on the Late Late Show alongside his wife to talk about his career.

In 2006, he helped Munster win the Heineken European Cup in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on 21 May against Biarritz. Earlier that year, he had helped Ireland secure the Triple Crown.


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