A proud day for Munster hero Pat Parfrey

Ireland’s clash with Canada this evening may not be as momentous as last week’s historic win over the All Blacks, but one man will treasure the fixture.

Cork native Pat Parfrey, who emigrated to Newfoundland 32 years ago, is now a respected physician. He has also become a revered figure in Canadian rugby.

After coaching London Irish, he moved to Canada and propelled the regional and national game forward, coaching Montreal Irish and eventually reaching the summit as Canada head coach in a term that saw him face his native country at Lansdowne Road in 1997, as well as at the Rugby World Cup two years later.