Possessor of the most famous two fingers in Irish rugby due to a celebration that followed his scoring a try against New Zealand in the opening match of the 1995 World Cup.

A noted hammer thrower, Halpin (above) took up up a scholarship in the United States, Halpin's rugby career began in Rockwell College and included stopovers at Wanderers, London Irish, Harlequins and now Blackrock College - including 11 caps for Ireland - where at 33 years of age he is expected to see out his playing days. Far from reaching for the pipe and slippers he has taken on new responsibilities including claiming a place in the Leinster squad.

Having bided his time patiently, Halpin played in Leinster's victory over Ulster at Ravenhill and against Glasgow Caledonians last Friday, on a disappointing night for Leinster rugby, Halpin's contribution suggested that he still has something to offer at this level.