Foreign Heroes 2000 - 2012

The 2000 - 2012 period in provincial rugby has been nothing short of astonishing. With 4 Heineken Cups in the bag and another on the way in the past twelve years it is likely we will never see such dominance by the Irish provinces again. Munster kicked it all of in 2000 when losing to Northampton, they lost another final in 2002 before finally winning their Holy Grail in 2006. In 2008 Munster won the trophy again versus a star studded Toulouse. In 09 Leinster got in on the act with their first trophy and then stormed to another victory in 2011 against Northampton. At the moment we are ten 10 days out from the first all Irish final between Leinster, who are looking to become only the second team to defend the title and Ulster who have really pulled up their socks and are beginning to repay the faith their supporters have shown over the past 12 years. Of course discussing the times Irish provinces won the cup is forgetting some amazing moments including the all Irish battles in 06 and 09, Leinster's incredible victory against Toulouse in 06 and some hearth breaking moments for Munster. One consistent part of all the provinces wins, draws and losses has been foreign players who arrived in Ireland and have played a major role in the provinces fortunes. I have assembled the best team from all the foreign players who plied their trade in Ireland over the 12 years. It was a lot more difficult then I had first imagined.

Fullback: Shaun Payne



Winger: Doug Howlett



Outside Centre: Rua Tipoki




Inside Centre: Trevor Halstead














Winger: Isa Nacewa



Fly Halve: Felipe Contepomi



Scrum Halve: Ruan Pienaar



Number 8: Pedrie Wannenburg



Flanker: Jim Williams



Flanker: Rocky Elsom


Second Row: Nathan Hines



Second Row: John Langford



Tight Head: Bj Botha



Hooker: R Strauss



Loose Head: Stan Wright


Others:  David Howell, Paul Warick, Brad Thorn, Christian Cullen, Jean De Villiers, Justin Harrison, John Afoa, Wian Du Preez, Lifemi Mafi, Olly Le Roux, Jan Muller and Cj Van Der Linde.



Note: Team Picked on impact at province, lasting impact and overall performance. Reputation had no impact on selection.


When complying the list it is amazing to think of the quality players and we have seen down threw the years and their impact on Irish players. Would Sexton be the player he is today if not for Felipe ? John Langford changed what was acceptable and what was not acceptable in the Munster dressing room and Ruan Pienaar has revolutionised the way in which Ulster play. I would go as far to say that neither Munster or Leinster would have won Heineken cups to such an extent if not for the quality of their imports.Even Ulster in the past two seasons  have their strongest contingent of foreign players during the 2000 - 2012 period and have qualified for the Heineken Cup knock out phase on both occasions. If we take Wales as an example they have had nowhere near as many quality foreign players in the 2000 - 2012 period as Ireland  and have never had a team in the final of the Heineken Cup albeit their National team continues to stand toe to toe with Ireland. So are the foreign recruits covering over the gaping holes in the Irish provincial game or are they hindering the development of the national team? With rules changing regarding Non Irish Qualified players in 2013 we will soon find out.

Follow me at @Tommykennedy93 to discuss the selection and thanks.