Click here for photos from Ireland’s training session at Clongowes Wood College on Tuesday, in preparation for the permanent tsb International against Romania.
Pictured above: The Irish pack discuss tactics with recalled lock Leo Cullen (centre) in their midst. The 27-year-old Cullen (17 caps) started both of last summer’s Tests against Japan, but previous to that tour, had not started an international since the August 2003 World Cup warm-up clash with Italy at Thomond Park. The Wicklow man will partner Donncha O’Callaghan in the second row for Saturday’s Test against Romania – Cullen has impressed for Leicester Tigers since joining the English giants in the summer.
Ulster captain Simon Best listens up at Clongowes Wood. The Craigavon-born prop, who has represented Ireland all the way up from Schools, U-19, U-21, U-25 to ‘A’ level, will start against the Romanians but has missed out on propping down alongside his hooker brother Rory, who has a knee injury.
Fly-half David Humphreys, who will captain Ireland on Saturday, in jovial mood at training. Humphreys said of his 72nd cap, and fifth Test as skipper: “It’s a huge honour to captain any team, but to captain your country is as big a honour as you can have in the game.
“Obviously, for those of us who haven’t played very much, just getting a game is a big enough deal in itself, but captaining the side is going to add to the enjoyment of it. But I see this as a great opportunity to get another run out at Lansdowne Road, which is what every Irish player aspires to.”
Ireland’s forwards take on some refreshments at Clongowes Wood. They can expect a tough examination from Romania’s pack, with a number of their players contracted to French clubs. Ireland have played the Romanians seven times previously – winning all seven and scoring 25 points or more in each game. The sides’ last meeting was a 45-17 win for the Irish at RWC2003.
Leinster’s Gordon D’Arcy (centre) is the last of Ireland’s backs to get down on the ground for some sprints. D’Arcy made his Ireland debut as a 19-year-old against Romania during the 1999 World Cup. The Wexford man came on as a second half replacement for then Irish coach Warren Gatland in the 44-14 win over the eastern Europeans.
Scrum-half Kieran Campbell, one of six Ulster players included in the Ireland XV for Saturday’s international. Campbell, 26, will be earning his third Test cap, and first start, against the Romanians. Born in Hillingdon, England, Campbell qualifies to play in green through his Irish father.
** All photos by Billy Stickland and Dan Sheridan of Inpho Photography**
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