Getting To Know Kevin O’Byrne

We get to know hooker Kevin O’Byrne who looks forward to his second season with the province.

Capped for Munster on 11 occasions Cork native O’Byrne is a former Connacht Rugby academy player who has also featured for the Munster A’s and Development Squad.

O’Byrne was quickly presented with his game time opportunities last season due to injuries at hooker and went on to make his senior debut in August against Gloucester at Kingsholm.

He then went on to start in his PRO12 debut against Edinburgh at Thomond Park in the first competitive game of the 2014/15 season.

As a Munster U20s player the UL Bohs man lined out with current squad members Cian Bohane, Shane Buckley, Johnny Holland, and Niall Scannell during 2010/11.

He captained the Munster U18 Club side at the 2008/09 Interpros and was part of Highfield U18s All Ireland winning squad in 2009.

Favourite Food: Roast Lamb

Book you are currently reading or have just finished: Roy Keane Autobiography

Favourite TV programme: Game of Thrones

Favourite Film: Lord of the Rings

Favourite Actor/Actress: Will Ferrell

Most enjoyable holiday location: South of Spain.

Marooned on a desert island what could you not be without: Coffee.

Favourite sport other than rugby: Football

The sport you least like: Badminton.

Person you would most like to meet: David Attenborough

Sportsperson you admire most: Roy Keane.

Hobbies: My classic mini.

Where and when did you first play rugby: In PBC and Highfield.

Biggest influence on career: My father.

Best career advice you were given: If you want something, do whatever it takes to get there, otherwise someone else will.

What you like most/least about being a rugby player: Learning something new nearly everyday.

Other sports that you played: Football & hurling for Blackrock. Tennis and soccer as well.

Best rugby memory: My first cap against Edinburgh.

Rugby player you admire most: Paul O'Connell.

Rugby team you admire most: Ireland.

Sporting event you would most like to attend: I'd love to go to the UFC in Vegas to see Conor McGregor.

Three people you would invite to dinner and why: Jeremy Clarkson, Pat Shortt, Jennifer Aniston.

If you weren’t a rugby player what would you be: Rally Driver.

Place in the province you most like to chill out: Barleycove

Have you any pre-match rituals: Not really! Very perticular about my scrambled eggs though.

Favourite song or band you like to train to or listen to before a game: Thin Lizzy or AC/DC

Who would you least like to room with and why: Can Bohane! Known for serious sleep walking!