SIMON BEST has been a consistent performer in Irish squads from Under-19 to senior level. A tigerish and versatile prop, Best was educated at Portadown College and Newcastle University, and became a mainstay of the Ireland ‘A’ squad between 2001 and 2003.
The Craigavon man won his first senior cap as a replacement against Tonga in June 2003. He made his first start against Wales the following August, adding four further caps as a replacement.
He started both games against Japan during Ireland’s 2005 summer tour, scoring his one and only try to date in the first Test in Osaka.
In his first season as Ulster captain, Best made appearances against New Zealand and Romania in November 2005, starting in the win against the eastern Europeans.
He played four times for his country last season, most notably stepping in for the injured Marcus Horan against Scotland to start his first Six Nations game. A former captain of Ireland 'A', Best stepped up to skipper the senior side for the recent summer tour to Argentina.
