In pics: Ireland rugby squad cage diving with great white sharks in South Africa

Good lord.

IT HAS BEEN a pretty strenuous couple of days for Ireland’s touring party in South Africa – but the squad enjoyed a rest day with a difference today.

After two days of training ahead of Saturday’s first Test in Cape Town, Joe Schmidt’s men were given a well-earned afternoon off and they certainly took advantage.

While some players went for the traditional golf outing or the customary Table Mountain visit, the majority of the party decided getting into a cage to swim with a great white shark would be a good way to spend a Wednesday afternoon.

Captured by Inpho’s Billy Stickland, the boat ride in Gansbaai on the Western Cape made for some pretty amazing photos.

Jordi Murphy, Sean Reidy and Sean Cronin Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Jamie Heaslip Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Rory Best Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Iain Henderson Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Players inside a shark cage Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Players inside the cage with a shark Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Players inside a shark cage Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Robbie Henshaw Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Players at the end of the shark cage outing Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!

Add us: the42.ie

In pics: Ireland rugby squad cage diving with great white sharks in South Africa

Analysis: Ireland’s brilliant ball-carrying lays platform for stunning comeback

The42 Rugby Show: Eddie O’Sullivan joins Murray Kinsella to preview Ireland’s South Africa tour