Leinster and Ireland winger Shane Horgan is set to join an exclusive club this weekend
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Shane Horgan joins an exclusive club this Saturday when he makes his 200th appearance for his province, joining a restricted membership list containing names such as Anthony Foley, Alan Quinlan and Peter Stringer. The Irish Independent's Hugh Farrelly reports.
"Those appearances have encompassed a career characterised by commitment and consistency to the point when the 32-year-old's compelling form for Leinster this season pushed him back into the Ireland reckoning when many had deemed the Meath man to be no longer of international relevance.
"Unfortunately, injury hindered Horgan's hopes of stepping in for Tommy Bowe when the Ospreys right wing was ruled out of Ireland's opening two matches but, although there are now just five months until New Zealand 2011, a strong end to the season with Leinster could yet propel the 65-cap veteran into the World Cup mix.
"Defined by his size and abrasive style -- typified by coming in off his wing to commit defenders with crashing runs up the middle -- it was suggested that Horgan would be left behind by the off-loading, free-flowing approach adopted by Leinster under Joe Schmidt.
"Instead he has flourished in his 18 appearances this season, displaying a deftness of touch as well as support and spatial awareness, while losing none of the aggression in contact that forged his reputation."
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