David Wallace (rugby union)

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David Wallace (rugby union) bigraphy, stories - Irish rugby union player

David Wallace (rugby union) : biography

8 July 1976 –

David Peter Wallace (born 8 July 1976 in Limerick, Ireland) is a retired Irish rugby union player, who played for Munster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions. He normally played as an Openside Flanker, but also played Blindside and Number 8.

He grew up in Limerick on the Ennis Road, and later lived in Cork. He was educated at Crescent College, Milford National School and Monaleen National School, Limerick, Ireland. Wallace retired from rugby in May 2012.

British and Irish Lions

He toured Australia with the 2001 British and Irish Lions following in the footsteps of his brothers Richard and Paul. He played against NSW Country Districts, and scored a try against ACT Brumbies.

On 21 April 2009, Wallace was named in the British and Irish Lions squad for the tour to South Africa. He started the first and second tests, and came on as a substitute for the third.

Ireland

Wallace made his Ireland debut against Argentina on 3 June 2000.

On 10 June 2000, Wallace was on the Ireland team that recorded their largest win by beating the United States 3–83.

Three lengthy injury-enforced absences hindered Wallace’s international development. He only played in five games for Ireland until returning to start in the Triple Crown victory over Scotland in the 2004 Six Nations Championship — scoring a vital try in the process. He started again in both Tests in 2004 against South Africa. He did not return again to the Irish side until the second Test against Japan in June 2005, where he scored his fourth international try.

His form for Munster saw him earn a recall to the Irish set-up in 2006. He was present during the 2006 Six Nations Championship and the Summer Tour in June.

Wallace scored a try for Ireland in their 43-13 demolition of England in the 2007 Six Nations Championship, and his form saw him selected in Ireland’s squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France. He started all four of Ireland’s pool games at the tournament.

He was a member of the Irish Grand Slam winning side in 2009.

He kept his place in the Ireland team for the November Tests in 2009, and played a crucial role in the win over South Africa. He played in all 5 of Ireland’s 2010 Six Nations Championship games and won the Man-of-the-Match award against Italy. Wallace was in outstanding form for Munster throughout the 2009/10 season, and was selected in Ireland’s squad for the summer tour to New Zealand and Australia. He played against New Zealand and came on as a substitute against the New Zealand Maori before returning home for the birth of his second child. He played against South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina during Ireland’s 2010 Autumn Tests, and became Ireland’s most capped back-row player. Wallace played in all five of Ireland’s 2011 Six Nations Championship games, including the 24-8 victory over England at Aviva Stadium that ended England’s hopes of a Grand Slam.

Wallace was selected in Ireland’s training squad for the 2011 World Cup warm-ups in August, and was also selected in the final 30-man squad. However, a knee injury sustained during Ireland’s final warm-up game against England ruled Wallace out of the tournament in New Zealand.

Following the injury, he was ruled out of action for six months, which also ruled Wallace out of the 2012 Six Nations Championship.

Retirement

Wallace announced his retirement from rugby on 3 May 2012, due to the knee injury he suffered in August 2011. Wallace had made a comeback from the injury, but a re-occurrence of the injury forced him to quit the game.

Speaking at the announcement, Wallace said:

"Although it’s disappointing that injury is forcing me to retire now, I take great comfort that I’ve had an unbelievably enjoyable career and I feel very lucky to have been involved in an era that has seen Munster and Ireland enjoy so much success. Professional rugby has exploded in popularity and changed beyond all recognition in this country since I began and I feel honored to have played witness to it’s massive improvement. I’d like to thank anyone who has helped me and had faith in me during my 15 year professional career including family, teammates, coaches, medics, friends and not least supporters. I will be looking to step away from rugby and explore a few different business opportunities while also looking forward to being able to spend more time with my wife Aileen and sons Andrew and Harvey."