Looks to be the man who kept in-form England wing Mark Cueto out of the initial 44-man squad and must really impress in New Zealand to justify Sir Clive Woodward's faith in him.

An immensely powerful specimen for a back, standing 6ft 4in tall and weighing over 15 stone, Horgan's prime attribute is his strength both when on the ball and in defensive positions yet he also has the versatility that is so valuable in a modern touring squad.

Compared to the likes of Jason Robinson and Shane Williams he can look ragged in possession but he is no slouch in terms of pace and is excellent under the high ball both defensively and in attack.

Having progressed through the Irish Youth and Under-21 sides, Horgan won his first full cap against Scotland in 2000 and marked the occasion with his first international try.

But his physical approach to the game does have its drawbacks and the 26-year-old Leinster man has had more than his fair share of injuries since that dream debut, indeed he missed half of the Six Nations earlier this year after breaking his hand in Ireland's 19-13 defeat of England.

Yet Horgan's injuries are a sign of a real commitment to the cause, a willingness to put his body on the line that will win him many admirers in New Zealand.