Reliable at the set piece and an immense worker around the field, FRANKIE SHEAHAN battled his way back from a career-threatening neck injury to feature for Munster and Ireland last season.

Educated at Presentation Brothers College, Cork and University College Cork, he scored three tries in two games on the 2005 summer tour to Japan but that untimely neck injury meant the 2005/06 season was largely a write off.

His absence saw Jerry Flannery and Rory fight it out for the Ireland hooker berth and Sheahan will have the pair for company at the forthcoming World Cup with competition for places at an all-time high.

Born in Canada, he won his first Ireland cap as a replacement against the USA in 2000 and scored his first try against Samoa the following year. With Keith Wood as captain and Shane Byrne soon becoming first choice hooker, Sheahan was forced to bide his time and wait for his chance but returned to the squad to win four caps as a replacement during the 2004 Six Nations.

He has since added another eleven caps, gaining some valuable game-time in last November’s three autumn internationals and in June’s second Test against Argentina.