Rugby News

John ‘The Bull’ Hayes is set to join the ranks of Anthony Foley and Keith Wood as the newest member of the Irish Rugby Union Players Association Hall of Fame.

When John Hayes played his final game for Munster at the back end of last year, the outpouring of emotion towards the Ireland and Lions prop was a testament to just how popular a figure he was in Irish rugby.

Now, the big man from Limerick is about to get his legendary status formalized as he gets inducted into the IRUPA Hall of Fame. The IRFU have announced that ‘The Bull’ will become the 12^th member of the Hall of Fame, with the ceremony scheduled for May 9.

There is no doubt Hayes’ remarkable 15-year career is more than worthy of the honour. Over 100 Irish caps, four Triple Crowns, a Grand Slam and two Lions Tours is a fairly impressive haul at international level.

For Munster he landed two Heineken Cups on his way to winning over 200caps, becoming one of the provinces all-time greats.

Speaking on the IRFU website, Hayes said: "I'm delighted to be accepting this award and joining the great players already inducted into the IRUPA Hall of Fame. It's a great honour and means a huge amount as it comes from the players I played with and against during my career".

We can’t think of anyone more fitting for the award. Congrats ‘Bull’.