Video & Pics: Denis Hurley Through The Seasons

With a distinguished career for Munster that spanned eleven seasons, we look back at some of Denis Hurley’s standout moments in the red jersey.

Click here to view our gallery of Denis through the seasons.
 
A product of the Munster Rugby Academy, Denis Hurley made his first competitive start for Munster against Llanelli Scarlets in Stradey Park in May 2006, but it wasn't until the 2007/08 season that the Cork-man made his major breakthrough for the province. With just seven senior caps to his name, the then 23-year-old started the Heineken Cup quarter final clash with Gloucester at Kingsholm and kept his place through to the final against Toulouse at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff where Munster won their second European title. 

From there, the ever dependable and versatile Hurley featured across the Munster backline, helping the province to PRO12 titles in 2009 and 2011 and a famous win over Australia at Thomond Park in 2010. In total, the Cork Constitution clubman has amassed 166 caps – making him the most capped player of the current squad – and scored 16 tries.

Hurley's wealth of experience also saw him captain Munster on seven occasions while his achievements were also recognised by his peers when he was nominated for the 2015 IRUPA Unsung Hero Award.

Impressing at inside centre last season, ankle and calf injuries curtailed his competitive involvement for much of the 2015/16 season.