Byrne - given run in the side. (Allsport)
SHANE BYRNE
Byrne was a rising star in Irish rugby back in 1994.
He had progressed through the Student and Under 21 ranks to tour wuith the senior side to Australia in the autumn of that year.
However he failed to make an impact and incredibly wasn't to earn his first cap until June 2001 against Romania.
He won further caps as a replacement against Wales, England and Scotland in the 2002 Six Nations matches and started against Italy,
An appearance in the second Test against New Zealand on the summer tour followed and Byrne had a key role to play in the autumn Tests.
A reliable hooker, he can act as cover for Keith Wood if his injury problems resurface.
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