A WELL-BALANCED runner and a powerful presence around the pitch, Jamie Heaslip made the Ireland number 8 jersey his own during the 2008 RBS Six Nations.
A debutant for Ireland against the Pacific Islanders in November 2006, he failed to make the 2007 Rugby World Cup squad but has bounced back to star for Ireland since.
Educated at Newbridge College and the son of former Shannon player Richard Heaslip, a Colonel in the Irish Army, Jamie helped Ireland finish second at the 2004 Under-21 World Cup, earning himself an IRB U-21 Player of the Year nomination.
Had a huge 2009 Championship, scoring two crucial tries in Ireland’s Grand Slam run, including one of the tries of the tournment against France.
A nominee for the 2009 IRB World Player of the Year.