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Legends: Where Are They Now?

Shane Byrne

The 54-year-old simply refuses to hang up the boots (and even avoids picking hookers in the squad to maximise gametime). An invaluable member of the past player network, the former Lion has served on the board of the Rugby Players Ireland Foundation for the past decade. In addition to his waste disposal business in Arklow, Shane always finds the time to contribute to charitable initiatives in the community. Along with Len Dineen, he has led the Irish Legends charge since its inception 16 years ago, raising over €1.8m for rugby related charities in the process.

Will Addison

Capped four times by Ireland, Addison’s career was cruelly curtailed by a series of significant injuries. It seems unquestionable that he would have added many more to that international tally. After a seven-year spell with Ulster Rugby, Wil returned to his boyhood club Sale Sharks in 2024 to be closer to his family. He is now player/coach at National League One side, Sale FC. This will be his debut outing for the Irish Legends. 

Niyi Adeolokun

Niyi Adeolokun made his name with Connacht Rugby, where he was a key member of the side that won the historic Pro12 title in 2016. He made his Ireland debut later that same year, capping a breakthrough season at provincial and international level. After scoring 25 tries in 88 appearances for Connacht, Niyi followed Pat Lam to Bristol Bears, where he would later bring his professional playing career to an end. Now building a career in Human Resources, Niyi is also involved with SportsSkn with his former Connacht Rugby teammate Jarrad Butler.

Danny Barnes

A former centre/wing for Munster Rugby, Newcastle Falcons, and Ealing Trailfinders, Barnes was born in Auckland before moving to Kerry as a child, cutting his rugby teeth at Tralee RFC. Following a series of injuries and changing circumstances in the pro game, Barnes stepped away from full-time rugby at 26. He is now is an experienced project manager in civil engineering and construction.

Paddy Butler

A highly regarded schoolboy for Rockwell College, Paddy Butler made his Munster Rugby debut in 2010 and went on to make 64 appearances for the province. With intense competition in the back-row, he moved to Pau in France’s Top 14 and later became one of the first Irish players to play professionally in Japan. Having retired in 2023, Butler is now an Account Executive at ClickUp, a project management software company dedicated to improving workplace efficiency and collaboration.

Jordon Conroy

Jordan Conroy burst onto the scene as one of  the most electric 7s players on the World Series, lighting up the circuit for several years with his pace, finishing ability and freestyle celebrations. A two-time Olympian, Conroy has been building his off-field profile by featuring on Dancing with the Stars and in a range of RTÉ projects for younger audiences.

Robin Copeland

A native of Wexford, Robin enjoyed a 14-year professional rugby career across multiple countries and leagues. Taking the road less travelled, he rose from club rugby with St. Mary’s to the English Championship, before earning spells with Cardiff, Munster, and Connacht before ultimately finishing his playing days in France. An Irish-capped, attacking back row with a love for open space and an eye for a gap, he brought athleticism, energy and good humour to every team he represented. Since retiring three years ago, he has explored property development in France and has now returned to Limerick, where he is studying for his financial advisory qualifications.

Fionn Carr

Fionn Carr made his name as a prolific winger for both Leinster Rugby and Connacht Rugby. However, despite some record-breaking seasons in Galway, a senior Irish cap eluded him. Fionn otherwise represented his country at every other level, and was part of Connacht’s historic Pro12 title-winning squad in 2016. After a spell in Hong Kong upon his retirement, he returned to Ireland and is now Senior Contracts Manager with AerCap, one of the world’s leading aircraft leasing companies.

Billy Dardis

A former Ireland 7s captain, Billy Dardis led the programme through its rise to the Olympic stage. A talented schoolboy, Dardis earned a contract at Leinster before being called into the 7s programme to lead the charge. Alongside his role as Head of Operations & Partnerships at TritonLake, Billy further demonstrates his leadership credentials on the board of the Rugby Players Ireland Foundation, while last year he established the Ireland Sports Fund which has secured educational bursaries for 11 current rugby players.

Matt D’Arcy

A stalwart of Clontarf RFC, Matt’s impressive AIL form earned him a contract with Munster in 2015 where he gained firsthand experience of top level rugby alongside the likes of Paul O’Connell. While his pro career was brief, his passion and knowledge kept him at the heart of Clontarf’s success over the ensuing eight years. Off the field, D’Arcy has forged a successful career in film production. As Partner and Head of Production at Banjoman, he leads a team creating award-winning work for Irish and international brands.

Scott Deasy

A Management Consultant with KPMG, Scott Deasy was highly regarded in Irish rugby circles after emerging from the Munster Academy alongside Peter O’Mahony, Simon Zebo, and Billy Holland. He would go on to make 37 appearances for the province between 2009 and 2013 before stepping away from professional rugby to focus on his long-term career and education. After moving to Dublin, Scott went on to become Lansdowne’s all-time leading points scorer and played a key role in the club’s 2015 AIL title triumph.

Barry Everitt

Nenagh-born Barry Everitt enjoyed a distinguished rugby career, featuring a record-breaking points-scoring spell with London Irish before moving onto Northampton Saints where he retired in 2010. He was the Premiership’s top scorer in 2000/01, earned the PRA Golden Boot, and represented Ireland at A, U18, U21, Sevens levels. He also featured for the Barbarians. He is now Headmaster at Cranmore, a successful independent school in Surrey renowned for its strong sport programme. His skills, on and off the field, will come in handy this weekend. 

Craig Gilroy

Craig Gilroy is a former Ulster and Ireland international whose professional rugby career spanned 13 seasons. He remains Ulster’s leading try-scorer in the URC. Gilroy famously scored a hat-trick in Rome on his final appearance for Ireland during the 2017 Six Nations. Alongside his playing career, Gilroy studied Law with The Open University, graduating with an LLB (Hons) in 2021. He now specialises in C-Suite and Senior Executive Recruitment with VANRATH. He retains a connection to the game through punditry work with BBC, RTÉ, UTV, and Premier Sports.

Jamie Hagan

Over a 16-year professional rugby career, Jamie Hagan played for seven clubs across Ireland, the UK, France, and Australia, totalling nearly 300 games. He notably won a PRO12 and Challenge Cup with Leinster, and was capped once by Ireland. Off the pitch, Hagan holds a BA in Leadership and Management and an Executive Master’s in Business Development. Following his retirement in recent months, Jamie has been developing his own personal fitness venture.  

Foster Horan

One of the five ‘originals’ from Ireland’s inaugural Sevens squad in 2015, Foster began his rugby career with Gorey RFC and would go on to represent Ireland at U20 level before switching to 7s. A key figure in Ireland’s historic qualification for their first ever Olympic Games in Tokyo, Horan was instrumental in elevating the Irish 7s programme from Rugby Europe Group 3 to the World Series. Horan is now Lead Pathway Rehabilitation Physiotherapist at Leinster Rugby.

Chris Henry

Former Ireland and Ulster Rugby flanker Chris Henry built his reputation on his capacity for relentless work at the breakdown. Having made the first of his 184 appearances for Ulster in 2009, he was capped by Ireland a year later and went on win 24 caps for his country. Forced to retire in 2016 on medical advice, Chris is now an Orthopaedic Sales Manager with PEI Surgical, applying his first-hand understanding of elite sport and injury to the medical field.

Ian Keatley

A former Ireland international, Ian Keatley enjoyed a distinguished career with Leinster, Connacht, Munster, London Irish, Benetton, and Glasgow Warriors. He is best remembered for his time at Munster Rugby, where he became the province’s second all-time highest points scorer behind Ronan O’Gara. Keatley earned seven caps for Ireland and contributed to the 2015 Six Nations championship-winning campaign. Today, he works as a Provincial Talent Coach at Munster Rugby, where his tactical knowledge, game management, and professionalism continue to shape the next generation of Irish rugby talent.

Mick Kearney

Mick Kearney retired from professional rugby in 2022 following an 11‑year career that saw him line out for Connacht Rugby, Leinster Rugby, Zebre and Ulster Rugby in the URC. After stepping away from the professional game, Mick returned to his boyhood club Clontarf RFC, featuring in the AIL Final in 2023 and bringing his playing days full circle in the club that helped launch his career. Mick is Area Sales Manager with Guardian Distribution, supplying high‑quality roofline, landscaping, safety and décor products to the trade and construction sectors.

Dave Kilcoyne

An emerging media personality through his new podcast What the Ruck with talkSPORT Ireland, Dave works with Aergo Capital, focusing on cash management, financial operations and sourcing capital. Upon hanging up his boots on a career that saw him capped 56 times by Ireland, with a further 220 appearances for his native Munster, ‘Killer’ graduated with diploma in aviation finance from University of Limerick. This will be his first outing for the Irish Rugby Legends. 

Paul Marshall

Former Ulster and Ireland scrum-half Paul Marshall was a mainstay in the Ulster backline for over a decade, known for his tempo, tenacity and sharp game management. A qualified teacher, Marshall now serves as Player Development Manager with Ulster Rugby, where he supports players in balancing professional rugby with education, career planning and life beyond the game.

Harry McNulty

Former 7s stalwart Harry McNulty was a relentless presence for the Irish 7s from the fringes of Europe’s Sevens circuit to the Olympic stage. Since retiring after Paris 2024, McNulty has continued to grow his online presence while he has channelled his love of adventure into 890 Expeditions, a bespoke safari business inspired by his journey as the 890th Irish Olympian. Set in East Africa, McNulty designs and leads immersive trips, helping clients explore wildlife, culture, and the continent’s hidden corners while supporting local communities.

Jordi Murphy

Former Ireland international Jordi Murphy enjoyed a decorated career with Leinster, Ulster and Ireland, winning multiple domestic, European and international honours before finishing up his playing days in 2022. Murphy is now Head of Talent & Partnerships with NavyBlue Sports, working closely with both elite athletes and brands to build meaningful, long-term partnerships. Drawing on his experience at the top level of the professional game, he helps players maximise opportunities off the pitch while guiding brands toward authentic connections within sport.

Johnne Murphy

Versatile back Johne Murphy first broke through at Leicester Tigers where he played alongside Lewis Moody for many years. Alongside Moody he won three Premiership titles before he returned to Ireland to line out for Munster Rugby where he was part of the Celtic League winning side of 2011. Today, Murphy is Director of Rugby at Newbridge College and founder of Stride Racing, a platform transforming the racehorse ownership experience through seamless communication, real-time updates, and streamlined syndicate management.

Ian Nagle

A former lock, Ian enjoyed a well-travelled professional career, representing Munster Rugby, Newcastle Falcons, London Irish, Leinster Rugby, Ulster Rugby and Zebre between 2014 and 2021. Now based in London, Ian is the co-founder and CEO of Swing Fitness, an award-winning physical and digital solution to improve population health by providing accessible exercise facilities and health surveillance data.

John O’Donnell

Former Ireland 7s international John O’Donnell was another to have played a central role in driving the team’s rise from Division C of European rugby to the Olympic stage, and was an integral part of Ireland’s qualification for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in 2019. A Wigan native and dual-code athlete, he played rugby league with Wigan and rugby union with Sale Sharks. Since stepping away from professional rugby, John is based in Manchester, serves with the Metropolitan Police Service, and lives by the name John O’Driscoll due to Secret Service requirements.

Devin Toner

Standing at 6’10”, Devin Toner was a literal tower in the lineout for both Leinster Rugby and Ireland across a stellar 15-year career. A cult hero, Big Dev earned 70 caps for Ireland, while he played over 280 times for Leinster Rugby where he secured multiple European and domestic titles. He’s now serving as Head of Partnerships at Fairstone Assets, where his eye for opportunity and teamwork continue to make him a force to be reckoned with.

Craig Ronaldson

A versatile back, Craig spent six seasons with Connacht Rugby and was part of the squad that won the historic Pro12 title in 2016. Prior to turning professional, Ronaldson starred with Lansdowne in the All-Ireland League, playing a pivotal role in club’s Division 1A title win of 2013. His performances earned him Player of the Season honours and a move into the professional ranks. He has since returned to the club as Assistant Coach, while he is also Director of Rugby at Wesley College.

Rhys Ruddock

Rhys Ruddock is a former Leinster Rugby stalwart having spent more than a decade at the top level of the game with the province. A powerful and consistent presence in Leinster’s pack, he captained the province and was part of multiple URC/Pro14 and European Champions Cup-winning squads. He also has the distinction of leading his country and earned 27 international caps during his career, underlining his impact across Irish Rugby.