Tadhg Furlong, born on November 14, 1992, is an Irish rugby union player who has made a significant impact in both domestic and international rugby. Hailing from Wexford, Ireland, Furlong's journey to becoming a world-class tighthead prop has been nothing short of remarkable.
Furlong's rugby career began to take shape when he joined the New Ross RFC club. However, he was initially a talented Gaelic football player, showcasing his athletic prowess from a young age. Eventually, he decided to fully commit to rugby and joined the youth ranks at Leinster, one of Ireland's most successful provinces.
He rose through the ranks quickly and represented the Irish U20s, earning 13 caps before making his senior international debut. His test debut came against England on November 9, 2013, at Twickenham Stadium when he was just 19 years old.
Known for his versatility, Furlong is not only an exceptional tighthead prop but can also cover the loosehead position when needed. He possesses incredible strength and technique, making him a formidable scrummager. Moreover, his dynamic ball-carrying skills and tireless work rate in the loose have made him a crucial asset for both Leinster and the Irish national team.
Furlong's breakout moment on the international stage came during the 2015 Rugby World Cup when he caught the attention of rugby fans worldwide with his impressive performances. He played a pivotal role in helping Ireland secure a historic victory over the All Blacks in November 2016, which further solidified his position as one of the best tighthead props in the world.
In 2017, Furlong was selected for his first British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, where he showcased his talent against the world's best players. The same year, he received the prestigious Supporters' Player of the Year award at the Rugby Players Ireland Awards.
His performances in the 2018 Six Nations grand slam-winning campaign, where he started at tighthead prop in four of Ireland's five matches, further solidified his reputation as a key player in the Irish setup.
Furlong's success extends to his club career as well. As of November 2019, he had made over 100 appearances for Leinster, contributing significantly to their numerous domestic and European triumphs.
In May 2021, he was named in the British and Irish Lions squad for the second time and proved his worth once again, starting all three tests during the tour.
Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Furlong is known for his down-to-earth personality and humility. Despite his rising status as a rugby superstar, he remains grounded and grateful for the opportunities he has received in the sport.
As he continues to evolve as a player, Tadhg Furlong looks set to be a dominant force in the rugby world for years to come, and his journey from a talented Gaelic footballer to a world-class tighthead prop is an inspiring story for aspiring young athletes.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Furlong has been named in the squad for Ireland.
KG(23/07/2023)
Career
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Leinster Rugby Tighthead Prop |
2013 - present |
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Ireland Tighthead Prop |
2015 - present |
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British & Irish Lions Tighthead Prop |
2017 - present |
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Ireland A Tighthead Prop |
2022 - present |
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Ireland U20's Tighthead Prop |
2011 - 2012 |
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Good Counsel College Tighthead Prop |
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Dublin University RFC Tighthead Prop |
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New Ross RFC Tighthead Prop |
