Bruff members give bullish reception to old hero Hayes

John Hayes was back in the familiar surroundings of Ballsbridge last Saturday where he received a standing ovation to rival the acclaim which accompanied his farewell for Munster at Thomond Park on St Stephen’s Day.

The numbers in Bewley’s Hotel numbered little more than a hundred, as opposed to the thousands who shepherded him off the pitch in Limerick two months ago, but they too departed much the better for The Bull’s company.

Hayes was back in Dublin to attend a special presentation held in his honour by the members of Bruff RFC. The man himself took questions from the floor for a full 45 minutes before the room dispersed to take in the Italy game on Lansdowne Road.