Advertisement

Darren Cave looks like the world's happiest centre in Ireland's squad mugshots

Some of the squad looked more prepared for class photo day than others.

THERE WE HAVE it then. Ireland’s Rugby World Cup squad has been signed, sealed and submitted to World Rugby.

It can’t be overstated how much inclusion means to a professional. It is the pinnacle of their sport, an event that comes but once ever four years and it brings promises of fame, fortune – but more importantly – photos.

Some tried to hide their satisfaction at being included. Some rocked a just-out-of-bed look while others were more on the just-out-of-the-sunbed-and-salon vibe.

But Darren Cave stole the show for us.

Darren Cave looks like the world's happiest centre in Ireland's squad mugshots
1 / 31
  • Darren Cave - Age: 28. Caps: 9. First RWC.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Jamie Heaslip - Age: 31. Caps: 74. 5 appearances in RWC 2011.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Robbie Henshaw - Age: 22. Caps: 11. First RWC.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Nathan White - Age: 33. Caps: 2. First RWC.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Jonathan Sexton - Age: 30. Caps: 52. 5 appearances in RWC 2011.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Jared Payne - Age: 29. Caps: 7. First RWC

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Donnacha Ryan - Age: 31. Caps: 30. 3 appearances in 2011.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Richardt Strauss - Age 29. Caps: 9. First RWC.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Eoin Reddan - Age: 34 Caps: 63. 7 appearances across RWC '07 and '11.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Keith Earls - Age: 27 Caps: 41. 5 appearances in RWC 2011.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Rory Best - Age: 33 Caps: 84. 7 appearances across '07 and '11 RWCs.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Dave Kearney - Age: 26. Caps: 9. First RWC.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Sean Cronin - Age: 29 Caps: 45. 2 appearances in 2011.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Rob Kearney - Age: 29 Caps: 63. 4 appearances in RWC 2011.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Cian Healy - Age: 27. Caps: 51. 4 appearances in RWC 2011.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Chris Henry - Age: 30. Caps: 18. First RWC.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Mike Ross - Age: 35. Caps: 51. 5 appearances in RWC 2011.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Devin Toner - Age 29. Caps: 26. First RWC

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Ian Madigan - Age: 26. Caps: 20. First RWC.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Jack McGrath - Age: 25. Caps: 19. First RWC

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Simon Zebo - Age: 25. Caps: 17. First RWC.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Sean O'Brien - Age: 28 Caps: 36. 4 appearances in RWC 2011.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Luke Fitzgerald - Age: 27. Caps: 30. First RWC.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Tadgh Furlong - Age: 22. Caps: 1. First RWC.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Jordi Murphy - Age: 24. Caps: 12. First RWC.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Peter O'Mahony - Age: 25. Caps: 31. First RWC.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Conor Murray - Age: 26. Caps: 36. 4 appearances in RWC 2011.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Tommy Bowe - Age 31. Caps: 62. 4 appearances at RWC 2011.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Iain Henderson - Age: 23. Caps: 19. First RWC.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Paddy Jackson - Age: 23. Caps: 12. First RWC.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
  • Paul O'Connell - Age: 35. Caps: 103. 13 appearances across '03, '07 and '11 RWCs.

    Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

The Ulster centre was a surprise inclusion in Joe Schmidt’s squad an looks every inch of it standing in front of the camera with a smile brighter than Billy Stickland’s flash.

Enjoy it, DC.

Trimble, Moore and Jones among unlucky men to miss out on World Cup

Before Tadhg Furlong was World Cup-bound, he was dominating GAA pitches in Wexford

Close
34 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.