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19th February 2015
12:49pm GMT

He got his first Ireland cap at the not so tender age of 26, in 2007, and went on to play 13 times for his country. He was included in Ireland's 2011 World Cup squad and won plaudits from teammates for repping the likes of David Pocock and Sam Warburton in Declan Kidney's intense training session.
He started against Russia in Rotorua and scored a fine try in the second half. He returned from the tournament in New Zealand and, though his Test appearances [training and matches] were then fleeting, he was vital in Leinster's success.
He teed up Brian O'Driscoll for the winning try against Munster in last season's PRO12 clash at the Aviva Stadium [below]. It was a move - strong carry, offload, setting a teammate up for the glory - that epitomised his contribution to the game.
Injuries aside, has been a key figure in Leinster's bid, this season, to once again retain their league title.
Connacht assistant coach Dan McFarland said, 'But not only would Swifty run through brick walls for his team mates, he has also been a great player, transforming himself from an athletic back rower to a hard hitting lock.'Explore more on these topics:

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