This week we look back at one of the most prolific wingers the Heineken Cup has ever seen, Leinster and Ireland winger Shane Horgan.
By Declan Whooley
These days we think nothing of giant wingers, but when 6’4″ Shaggy burst on the scene it was a relatively new concept for Irish rugby. Initially a centre, he moved further towards the touchline and quickly demonstrated that he had all the skills of a traditional winger, but with the physique of a back row forward also.
Whether in attack or defence, Horgan was one of the most consistent players ever to don a blue jersey.
It is testament to the Leinster winger that his haul of 27 tries is only bettered by three players. Vincent Clerc, the Irish nemesis, is the leading scorer in the competition, followed by Brian O’Driscoll and former Wales and Lions player Dafydd James. And Horgan is certainly not out of place in this illustrious company.
After joining Lansdowne when he finished school in 1997, the Meath native made his debut for Leinster in August 1998. The following month he made the first of his 87 European appearances when Leinster beat Llanelli at Stradley Park.
As devastating as Horgan was on the wing – we doubt English fans will ever forget some his tries in the Six Nations – his defensive qualities were never in question. Take a look at the video below of cover defence when chasing down international colleague Geordan Murphy in the Heineken Cup clash at the RDS during the 2007/08 campaign. It comes after a tasty hit on Gordon D’Arcy.
After such service to the Leinster cause, Horgan was part of the 2009 and 2011 Heineken Cup winning teams, just rewards for a man that along with Brian O’Driscoll, Mal O’Kelly, Gordon D’Arcy and others, had been through some disappointing European days with their home province.
Last season the winger was forced to call time on his career after a long-term knee injury. The final of his 207 appearances was against their great rivals Munster, but even in his final season he showed his undoubted class when fully fit.
Horgan is pursuing a career in law after studying at Trinity College, but has been working as TV and radio pundit since calling it a day on the field of play.
One of the most effective players both Leinster and Ireland have seen in the professional era.
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