Irish Qualified Pros
Finlay was born in Canberra, Australia and is Irish qualified through his grandmother from Enniskillen. Finlay attended St Edmund’s College and played for Ireland U20s before making his senior international debut against Italy in the 2016 Six Nations Championship. He has played over 160 senior games for Connacht.
Rob was born in Cape Town, South Africa and is Irish qualified through his grandfather from Belfast. Rob attended South African College Schools (SACS) and signed for Ulster in 2012. He made his Ireland debut against Argentina on the 2014 Summer Tour and has played over 200 senior games for Ulster.
Professional Careers for Irish Qualified Players
A number of Irish qualified players from around the world have forged successful professional careers in Ireland representing Connacht, Leinster, Munster or Ulster and Ireland national teams.
To find out more about opportunities for Irish Qualified players in professional rugby in Ireland contact: IQRugby@IrishRugby.ie
Here are some further examples of players developing their careers in Ireland.
Will Addison: Born in Penrith, England and is Irish qualified through his mother from Co. Fermanagh. He signed for Ulster in 2018 and made his Ireland debut against Italy in the same year.
Mike Haley: Born in Preston (ENG) Mike signed for Munster in 2018 and is Irish qualified through his grandmother.  He attended Hartbury College (ENG), won a senior Ireland cap in 2019 and has represented Munster on over 60 occasions.
Angus Curtis: Born in Harare (ZIM), Angus signed for Ulster in 2018 and is Irish qualified through his father. He attended Hilton College in South Africa.  Angus’ father and grandfather both represented Ireland at senior international level.
Shayne Bolton: Born in Pretoria (SA) Shayne signed for Connacht in 2021 and is Irish qualified through this grandmother. Shayne attended the Hoerskool Eldoraigne and represented the Blue Bulls County Districts and Shimlas in the Varsity Cup.
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