To most rugby fans in Ireland he was the Wallabies’ debutant hooker, an emergency selection for Michael Cheika after the first three in line fell by the wayside.

With another three or four referendums announced for May , it can feel like we’re being bombarded. But at least they centre on important decisions. Robert Hume looks at six of the more offbeat that have taken place internationally

Criticism of his tactics, selections, birthplace or any other facet of his behaviour has been wool off a sheep’s back to Australia’s New Zealand-born coach Robbie Deans.

TONY McGAHAN won’t shed any tears when Advance Australia Fair rings out across Thomond Park on Tuesday night. Instead, he’ll be hell bent on figuring out a way to put one over on his native country.

Australia’s prime minister, John Howard, branded as “terrible” a three-minute dance version of the country’s national anthem, due to be played at Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebration.