Gordon D’arcy Tribute, an Obituary of Sorts

Here at RBP we don’t like the idea of our heroes getting dropped. Unfortunately as the game develops and our idols get older, it’s a sad fate that must be accepted. After Joe Schmidt recently announced his 36 man squad for Ireland’s pursuit of the Grand Slam we couldn’t help but notice the absence of a modern great.

 

Gordon D’arcy has lived a long and prosperous life in rugby from Clongowes Wood to Leinster; Ireland to The Lions this Wexford man has seen it all, and although not being named in the squad to face Wales and Scotland, can look back on his career in green with no regrets and of course will continue to shine for Leinster as the Pro12 season lingers on.

D’orce is best known for his explosive turn of pace and prolific sidestep. He was originally called up to the Irish team by Warren Gatland for a South African tour, though turned down the offer for his education. He would then go on to make his debut in 1999 as a substitute against Romania in the World Cup and since then has enjoyed over a decade in green. Now at the tender age of 35 he is admittedly on his last legs. Joe Schmidt is now trusting young Robbie Henshaw with the 12 jersey and the torch has been reluctantly passed on to the young Connacht man who scored his first try for Ireland in their recent encounter with England, also claiming the Man Of The Match award, perhaps cementing himself to the role of Inside Centre for the next decade.

 

With Brian O’Driscoll understandably bowing out last year his partner D’arcy was persistent, sure that there was more in the tank and decided to carry on with the idea that perhaps this year’s World Cup would be his farewell. Yet with such depth in this Ireland squad the once nominated IRB Player of the year and Six Nation’s player of the tournament 2004 has been overlooked to aid his country in this year’s tournament.

The old man boasts 81 caps and 35 points for his country, 251 caps and 334 points for Leinster. The soon to be father will be looking for more success with his beloved province and still hopes to be a strong contender for a spot on the Irish team but after recent events, we’re not too sure . This may be the end to Gordon’s international career and we here at RBP aren’t good at this emotional stuff but D’arcy, you’ll be sorely missed.
Here’s a look back at the finest moments throughout his career