Mr Tony Ward

Tony Ward has a unique place in Irish sport. Generally considered Irish Rugby’s first superstar and hugely popular with fans, Tony became internationally renowned as a player of world class. During his playing career, he won 19 caps for Ireland between 1978 and 1987 while he played a pivotal role in Munster’s 1978 infamous – and only – win over the All-Blacks. 

Born in Dublin in 1954, Dublin, Tony’s early years were spent in Leeds until his father’s premature death in 1959 necessitated the family’s return to Ireland. Following his education at St Mary’s College, Rathmines, Dublin where his rugby career began, Tony moved to Limerick in 1974 to pursue his studies. In 1978, Tony graduated with a BA Physical Education from Thomond College of Education (integrated into UL in ‘91). 

During these years and beyond, Tony continued to play Rugby at Club level with Garryowen (‘75–‘82), St Mary’s (‘82–‘85) and Greystones (‘85– ‘89). As an outstanding fly-half, Tony played rugby for Munster (‘75–‘84) and Leinster (’86-‘88) and also for Ireland (’78-’88), the Barbarians and the British & Irish Lions (South Africa ‘80). In ’79, he was the first ever Recipient of the European Player of the Year Award. 

Tony made his international debut against Scotland at Landsdowne Road in January, 1978 at the age of 23. He helped Ireland win 12-9 and during the 1978 Five Nations Championship he scored 38 points, a record for a debutant. He made one major tour with Ireland, to Australia in 1979. During his career as an Ireland international, he scored 113 points, including 29 penalties, 7 conversions and 4 drop goals. Tony played his last game for Ireland on 3 June 1987 in a 32-9 win over Tonga during the 1987 Rugby World Cup. 

He 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 31 October 1978. To-date, Munster is the only Irish team ever to beat the All-Blacks. 

Tony 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. 

While playing rugby, Tony had also been a geography and PE teacher at St Andrews secondary school in Booterstown, Dublin where during the '90's, he became a highly-valued and well-respected Rugby Coach for the school. While in that role, he constantly downplayed his fame and success and couldn't even be in the room if another coach played video footage of his legendary tries! 

Although better known as a rugby player, Tony was also among that rare breed of dual-player. He played football (soccer) as a schoolboy for Rangers AFC in Dublin and for Ireland (Under-15) while as an adult, he played for Shamrock Rovers and Limerick United where in 1982, he helped the Limerick club win the FAI Cup in a historic win over Bohemians. 

Since retiring as a player, Tony has worked as a sports journalist, most notably with the Irish Independent, and as a rugby commentator for RTÉ. He also continues his involvement with Schools Rugby through his role as Director of Rugby at St Gerard’s School in Bray. 

Away from the world of sport, Tony is devoted to his children, Lynn (29), Richie (28) who is living in Australia, Nikki (21) and Ali (15). He also enjoys an eclectic mix of music (with a soft spot for the Sixties and beyond) and is a serious collector of English Football Programmes, a hobby he began as a young boy. He also admits to a life-long burning passion for Leeds United Football Club. Reflecting on his time as a student at the Plassey campus, Tony says "Without fear of contradiction, those were the best 4 years of my life!”