A powerfully-built winger who has developed into a world class finisher, SHANE HORGAN is now a regular on Ireland's right wing having been one of five players to debut against Scotland in February 2000.

Four tries in his last seven outings in the green jersey, including a memorable crossfield catch and touchdown in last February's Croke Park encounter with England, have rubber-stamped Horgan's reputation as a top quality wide man.

Born in Drogheda and educated at St. Mary's, Drogheda, he initially climbed the international ladder with appearances for the Ireland Youths and Under-21s and then marked his senior bow with a try against Scotland in 2000.

Horgan also boasts an impressive Heineken Cup strike rate of 22 tries in 59 games and has become a cornerstone of the Leinster side in recent years. Having played at the 2003 World Cup, he was an ever-present in Ireland's Triple Crown-winning team the following year.

During the 2005 Lions tour, he made two Test appearances as a replacement against New Zealand and was a key man for Ireland during the 2006 Triple Crown-winning campaign, with his performances earning him a place in the RBS Team of the Six Nations.

The former Meath minor Gaelic footballer has played a total of 44 games on the wing and 11 as a centre for Ireland, but his preparations for the 2007 World Cup have been cruelly disrupted by a knee injury.