John Hayes

John Hayes.

Age/Date of birth – 35 – 2nd November 1973
Position – Prop
Height – 1.93m
Weight – 125kg
Test caps – 89
Test debut – 19th February 2000 v Scotland
Test points – 10- 2 Tries
Current club/Playing history – Munster, Shannon, Marist (NZ)
Strengths – Hayes' astonishing tackle count and work rate around the field belies his 125 kg bulk; as an innovative lineout support specialist, he has been credited with virtually inventing the concept of one man lifting, using his 1.93m to project jumpers to great heights.
Weaknesses – Again, as with Horan, his scrummaging was reported weak, but heart and pride dictates he usually holds his own and he will battle to the death.
Likely headline(s) – (His nickname is Bull) No Bull, Red Bull, Purple Hayes. There is another one too, if he plays poorly..
Honours in the game – Munster:- European Champions 2006, 2008 Celtic League 2003, Triple Crown 2004, 2006, 2007, British and Irish Lions NZ 2005.
Did you know? – 'Bull' Hayes started life with Bruff RFC and Shannon as a lock and was converted to tighthead in NZ during a stint with the Marist club in 1996, a change that finally lead him to beat Phil Orr's record of 58 caps for an Irish prop in 2006. He was deservedly voted Munster's Player of the Year in 2007 – not bad for someone who only started playing at 18.