DENIS LEAMY was elevated to the Ireland senior squad in November 2004 following a number of eye-catching performances for Munster.

Since his debut against the USA, the versatile Leamy has broadened coach Eddie O’Sullivan's back row options. In his first six Test appearances, he lined out both as an openside flanker and a number 8, taking over from his provincial colleague Anthony Foley at the base of the Irish scrum for the 2005 autumn internationals.

A ferocious sight with ball in hand and a terrific tackler, Leamy was educated at Rockwell College, with whom he won a Munster Junior Cup, and University College Cork.

His development continued as an Ireland Schools and Under-21 international and while a knee injury curtailed his involvement with Munster in 2003/04, he returned the following season with his performances earning him his first Ireland call-up.

Leamy made his Six Nations debut against Italy in 2005, and was an impressive figure in Ireland's Triple Crown win the following year, with his highlight being a try against England at Twickenham. The Tipperary man will be hoping to add to his try tally at the forthcoming World Cup.