Exile Marks Ireland Debut With A Try : Irish Rugby

A 37th minute try announced the arrival of Dan Tuohy on the Test scene just moments after coming on as a replacement for Ireland in their game against New Zealand last Saturday.

Dan Tuohy, who plays for Ulster, is a product of the Irish Exiles system that identifies Irish qualified players overseas.

In addition, Ireland Under-20 captain Rhys Ruddock, also an Exiles player, has been named in the Ireland team to face New Zealand Maori on Friday.

Tuohy's try follows a superb debut season with Ulster in which he started several games in the Heineken Cup and notched tries at each end of the Magners League season.

The 24-year-old passed through the Gloucester Academy as well as the Exiles system from Under-18 to Under-21 level. He made a successful debut for Gloucester in 2007 before moving on to play for the Exeter Chiefs.

Having previously played for the Ireland Under-21s, Tuohy seemed like an exciting prospect for Ulster.

HIs provincial form this past season saw him included in Ireland training squads and he lined out for the Ireland Wofhounds against Scotland 'A' as well as for Ireland in their recent uncapped game against the Barbarians.

Tuohy's ability in the lineout alongside a striking turn of pace attracted the attention of the Irish selectors and we hope that this is the first of many caps for the 6ft 5in lock.

As if this news was not good enough for the Exiles, a great week just got a lot better. Rhys Ruddock, a former Exile and the current Ireland Under-20 captain, has been called up to the Ireland senior squad in New Zealand.

Ruddock, a talented back rower, has been named to start for Ireland in the uncapped game against New Zealand Maori in Rotorua on Friday.

Everyone involved with the Exiles would like to wish Rhys and Dan the best of luck with their futures in international rugby.

Ruddock To Make Most Of Opportunity

Speaking ahead of Saturday's second Test against Japan, Ireland tour captain Rhys Ruddock said: "We've been happy with the results so far, and there's been bits of the performances we've been really happy with and some bits that we're looking to improve on. Tomorrow marks the last opportunity to go out and do that, so we're all really excited about getting out there now."

Ulster's Luke Marshall, who will return to the Irish midfield in Tokyo on Saturday, is expecting Japan to 'come back pretty hard' following their 50-22 defeat in Shizuoka last weekend.