JAMIE HEASLIP, who started playing rugby with local club Naas, has a degree in Medical Mechnical Engineering (DCU). He has lined out for Dublin University and Clontarf but has gone back to his roots with Naas.

Made his Leinster senior debut in the Celtic League in March 2005 and is the son of former Shannon player Richard, a Colonel in the Irish Army.

Was nominated for the IRB Under-21 World Player of the Year award after starring at the 2004 U-21 World Cup in Scotland, where Ireland finished as runners-up to New Zealand.

Heaslip was named in the Ireland squad for the Guinness Autumn series in 2006 and made his test debut against the Pacific Islanders. He has the honour of being the 1000th player to wear the green of Ireland.

His earned caps against Argentina and Scotland in the lead up to the Rugby World Cup and as a replacement against Italy in this year's Six Nations. He then went on to cement his place for the rest of the RBS 6 Nations and the 2008 Summer tour.