John Hayes (rugby Union)

John Hayes (rugby Union)

John Hayes (born 2 November 1973 in Dromsally, Cappamore, Co. Limerick, Ireland) is a retired Irish rugby union player, who played in the RaboDirect Pro12 and Heineken Cup for Munster. Having spent his underage career playing with the local Cappamore GAA club, he was 18 when he started playing rugby. It was his size (6'4", 19st) which enabled him to overcome his late start to the sport. He continues to "follow GAA in Limerick very much and especially hurling".

He first played rugby as a wing forward in a Munster Junior League match for Bruff R.F.C. against Newcastle West R.F.C. He is also known for being one of the most honest and professional players in rugby union which is one of the reasons he has had such a long and successful career.

He was introduced to the game of rugby union by friends when he joined the local Rugby Club, Bruff R.F.C. based in County Limerick, he then moved up a grade when he joined Shannon R.F.C. before traveling to Invercargill, New Zealand. During his stay in Invercargill, he changed position from Second Row to Prop Forward. On his return, he rejoined Shannon R.F.C. and gained his place on the Munster squad. He later rejoined his original club, Bruff RFC when they joined the AIL as a senior club in 2004.

In September 2012 he released his autobiography The Bull: My Story which details his sporting life. On 5 October 2012 he appeared as a guest on the Late Late Show alongside his wife to talk about his career.