Rob Kearney - Rugby Player Profile
Rob Kearney, the 26-year-old Leinster and Ireland fullback, who is equally adept at playing on the wing, was born on March 26, 1986, at Dublin. At 6’1, he is a fearless attacker of the ball, and he is considered to be one of the most dangerous fullbacks
in world rugby today.
Kearney for his excellent displays last season won the European Rugby Cup Player of the Year award. He led Leinster to their third Heineken Cup triumph in as many years. He started every single match of the campaign, as Leinster won their third title in
four years. His displays in the knock-out stages, when it really mattered were outstanding. He scored against the Cardiff Blues during the quarter-finals, and his drop goal against ASM Clermont Auvergne was one of the highlights of his tournament.
He received the prize from the chief executive of ERC, Derek McGrath who said,"Rob was both rock-solid in defence and inspirational in attack during what was another magnificent Heineken Cup campaign for our 2012 champions. He scored six tries, ran powerfully,
kicked superbly and the sheer all-round quality of his performances made him an excellent choice as ERC European Player of the Year 2012."
When he received the award, he credited his teammates for his impressive performances. He said, "While I am delighted with the recognition, an individual player is powerless without the support of his teammates. So I owe this to the Leinster squad, to the
management and to all the backroom staff at the club."
He started his career at Leinster, and made his debut against Ospreys in 2005. Previously, Kearney had represented the province at schoolboy and U-19 level. His outstanding displays did not go unnoticed, and he was called up to the Ireland team, making his
debut against Argentina at Buenos Aires, on June 2, 2007.
The fullback quickly established himself as a world-class fullback, and at the 2008 Six Nations tournament, he featured in all the matches for Ireland, also scoring tries against Scotland and England. In total he has made 7 tries for Ireland in 38 matches,
scoring 37 points.
In 2009 Ireland won the Six Nations Grand Slam, with Kearney as influential as ever at the back to romp Ireland to a historic victory. It was the same year that Leinster won their first of three Heineken Cups, although he started on the bench.
Kearney has represented the British and Irish Lions thrice, and he played for Ireland at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. He is set to tour New Zealand with Ireland this summer, as they play the All Blacks in a three-match test series.
With Kearney hitting top form at the turn of 2012, Leinster would want their fullback to enjoy a fruitful campaign when the next season gets underway.
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