The Leeside Legends series: Phil O’Callaghan reached the top level despite his late start in rugby

Dolphin were short a player and invited Phil to fill the vacancy and, with playing gear and boots provided and before he could think twice, he was out on the pitch ready for action.

He went straight into the Irish team in the same season against the touring Australians at Lansdowne Road that Ireland won 15-8.

FACTFILE:
O’Callaghan was capped 21 times for Ireland between 1967 and 1976.
He was on the Irish team of 1967 that defeated Australia in Sydney becoming the first northern hemisphere nation to defeat a southern hemisphere side away from home.
O’Callaghan played soccer for the local Ballyphehane side Blues United before joining Dolphin in 1960.
After being omitted from the Irish team between 1971-1975 Phil was recalled in 1976.