A brawny and talented winger who rarely puts a foot wrong, IAN DOWLING started for Munster in 2006 and 2008 Heineken Cup final wins and is one of Irish rugby's unsung heroes.

The Kilkenny man, a powerful runner with ball in hand, has long been talked of as a possible Test player and this summer tour offers him the chance.

He was capped by the Ireland rugby league team before making his mark in the union code with Shannon and Munster, with whom he has moulded himself into a fine, all-round player.

Was an uncapped member of Ireland's summer tour squad last year and part of the extended squad for the 2009 RBS 6 Nations, but is now set to become the eighth player from County Kilkenny to play for Ireland at senior level.