The real story behind THAT famous Gary Halpin moment against the All Blacks
It was announced today that the Irish Rugby legend Gary Halpin had passed away at the age of 55.
The former Ireland prop had also played for Leinster whilst representing London Irish and Harlequins for spells playing in England.
Tributes have poured in for the ‘larger than life’ international from all corners of the rugby community.
Here were some of the messages that came in for Gary Haplin today.
Class. RIP Gary. https://t.co/hoz6dlsZW5
— The XV Rugby (@TheXV) February 24, 2021
Everyone at Irish Rugby is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Ireland international Gary Halpin.
Gary won 11 Test caps, representing Ireland at the 1991 and 1995 Rugby World Cups.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends and former team-mates at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/vE6HkVLW7x
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 24, 2021
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of former Ireland prop Gary Halpin, who has sadly passed away aged 55 pic.twitter.com/pMYgDHHoAg
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) February 24, 2021
One moment from Gary Halpin’s career that has stood the test of time was when he scored against the famous 1995 All Blacks team at the World Cup in South Africa.
He managed to crash over from close range – smashing his way through the efforts of Zinzan Brooke.
Former Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery paid this tribute to Gary Halpin
Gary Halpin RIP. One of my favourite players when I was a kid. You need to be a bit mental to give the @AllBlacks the finger after scoring a try. Ballsy pic.twitter.com/y8h0iMNL0m
— Jerry Flannery (@jerryflannery) February 24, 2021
As the prop got up, he made a gesture to the All Blacks players before being embraced by his teammates on the way back to the halfway line.
watch the classic moment in the video below
For years, fans wondered what had been done to cause Gary Halpin to make the gesture to the New Zealand players.
In an interview many years later, Halpin offered some context to his reaction. ‘(New Zealand hooker) Sean Fitzpatrick had been winding us up, calling us Paddies. And I couldn’t really believe I’d scored a try.’
Everyone at Rugby Onslaught offers their condolences to the family of Gary Halpin.
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