The Argus

Historic season for rugby full back Rob

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LOUTH native Rob Kearney might be crowned the ‘most decorated player in the history of Irish rugby’ after Leinster’s European Champions Cup final win in Bilbao, Spain last weekend. - his fourth European success with the Blues.

It was the end to an historic season for the Ireland and Leinster full back as he celebrated the momentous win in Spain, adding to his burgeoning list of wins over the last decade and more.

Carlingfor­d born Rob was already renowned as the only player who start- ed all 10 games in Ireland’s two Grand Slams. He has four Six Nations medals and started every game in the championsh­ip-winning seasons of 2009, 2014, 2015 and 2018.

He toured with the Lions in 2009 and played in all three Tests. Since making his internatio­nal debut in 2007, Kearney has played 83 times for Ireland and he recently signed a new IRFU contract which will take him up to November 2019.

He made his competitiv­e senior debut for Leinster against the Ospreys in September 2005 and has since made 194 appearance­s.

His glittering career has seen him win three Heineken Cups, an Amlin Challenge Cup and three PRO12/Celtic league titles. He was also named ERC Player of the Year in 2012.

Speaking about the success nationally and internatio­nally, Rob added ‘ There have been some fantastic days for both Ireland and Leinster over the course of my career.’

 ?? Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile. ?? Rob Kearney (centre) with Rory O’Loughlin and captain Isa Nacewa celebrate with the cup in the dressing room after the European Rugby Champions Cup Final in Bilbao, Spain.
Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile. Rob Kearney (centre) with Rory O’Loughlin and captain Isa Nacewa celebrate with the cup in the dressing room after the European Rugby Champions Cup Final in Bilbao, Spain.

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