An energetic openside flanker with a try-scoring touch, SHANE JENNINGS really announced himself in the 2006/07 season by helping Leicester Tigers challenge for three titles in England and Europe.

Playing at the top of his game, the Dubliner, who was runner-up for the Guinness Premiership Player of the Year award, was destined to be called up for duty for Ireland’s 2007 summer tour to Argentina during which he gained his first cap. An injury ruled him out of contention for the Rugby World Cup.

Educated at St. Mary’s College, Jennings was previously capped for Ireland at Schools, Under-19, Under-21 and ’A’ levels, and played his most significant role in an Irish jersey in 2007 when he captained Ireland ’A’ to victory in the Churchill Cup Plate final.

In 2007/08 Jennings rejoined Leinster, where he had made his debut against Swansea in 2001. He had signed for Tigers in 2005 after an impressive run with Leinster, which saw him operate as a stand-in captain.