Kidney’s men to Boks clever after fighting Irish hit camp

Ireland’s rugby stars endured a training session with a difference yesterday in the company of some of the country’s elite boxing stars.

Olympians including Kenny Egan, Paddy Barnes, Michael Conlan, John Joe Joyce in and Adam Nolan sparred with Declan Kidney’s squad at their Carton House base as preparations for the autumn internationals intensifies.

IRFU spokesman Karl Richardson said both groups enjoyed the experience.

Explaining the background, Richardson said: “Our team manager Mick Kearney knows Billy Walsh and contacted him about the possibility of bringing some of his high performance boxers to meet with the squad. Billy was very keen on the idea and yesterday the lads all met up.

“They had a session and then some sparring with our guys out in Carton House. After that they had dinner together and then there was a questions and answers session with the boxers talking about how they prepared for the Olympic Games.

“It is nice that Irish athletes who perform and achieve at the highest level can come together to compare and contrast their work and training.”

Jamie Heaslip tweeted: “Great treat this evening watching some of the Irish Olympic Boxing team school our lads.”

It is not the first time the national rugby squad have turned to high achievers from other codes to assist in their preparations.

Richardson added: “From time to time we have had other high profile figures in to talk to the squad.

“The explorer Ranulph Fiennes, Marvin Hagler and Pádraig Harrington met with them onoccasions in the past.

Meanwhile, Richardson confirmed Brian O’Driscoll underwent surgery yesterday on the damaged ankle ligament which has ruled him out of the autumn Tests.

“The operation took place but we have no update. The prognosis remains at between eight and 12 weeks before Brian is back in action.”