Tony Ward

Anthony Joseph Patrick Ward (born October 8 1954, Dublin, Ireland), commonly referred to as Tony Ward, was an Irish rugby union player and soccer player during the 1970s and 1980s. He currently works as a sports journalist for the Irish Independent and as a rugby commentator for RTE. He played rugby as a fly-half for, among others, Munster, Leinster, Ireland, the British and Irish Lions and the Barbarians.

Although better known as a rugby player, he also played football for Shamrock Rovers from 1973 to 1975 and also played for Limerick United. In 1981 he played for Limerick United in the UEFA Cup against Southampton and in 1982 he helped them win the FAI Cup.

Ireland

Ward won 19 caps for Ireland between 1978 and 1987. He made his international debut against Scotland at Lansdowne Road on January 21 1978 at the age of 23. He helped Ireland win 12-9 and during the subsequent Five Nations Championship he scored 38 points, a record for a debutant. During his career as an Ireland international he scored 113 points, including 29 penalties, 7 conversions and 4 drop goals. He played his last game for Ireland on June 3 1987 in a 32-9 win over Tonga during the 1987 Rugby World Cup.

Munster

Ward also inspired Munster to a legendary win over New Zealand, scoring two drop goals and a conversion in a 12-0 victory at Thomond Park on October 31 1978. To date Munster are the only Irish team ever to beat the All-Blacks.

British and Irish Lions

Ward also played one Test game for the British and Irish Lions during the 1980 South Africa tour. He set a Lions Test record by scoring 18 points, including 5 penalties and a drop goal. It was also a record for any player against South Africa.

Honours

Soccer

Limerick United

• FAI Cup
  • Winner
  • 1982: 1

External links

• Bio at www.sporting-heroes.net

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