Former Ireland Under 21 international he looked set to make the number 13 jersey his own thanks to his form in the Pool stages of the 05/06 Heineken Cup campaign that included a superb try in the final Pool game against Sale Sharks in Thomond Park. However he suffered a horrific ankle injury in Ravenhill a month later that ruled him out for the remainder of the season. He returned to action October '06 and at the end of that season was capped on Ireland's tour to Argentina. Last November he scored Munster's try against the All Blacks at Thomond Park Stadium - the only player to score against the New Zealanders on their tour - and gained further international caps against Canada and the USA on the summer tour in May.