HE MAY not be the biggest name in world rugby, but for Ireland, he is one of the most vital.
Captain and hooker Rory Best is one of just five men to achieve 100 caps in the green jersey, breaking into three figures against Australia in Dublin in November 2016.
Widely regarded as one of the most athletic and inspiring forwards at international level, Best has been a mainstay for rugby-mad nation since 2011 when he cemented his place as Ireland’s starting hooker.
Here’s what we know about Rory Best.
How old is Rory Best? Where was he born?
Best was born on 15 August 1982, so is currently 34.
The hooker, who calls Craigavon, Northern Ireland home, was educated at Portadown College – an academic selective school in County Armagh.
Which club teams has Best played for?
After his secondary schooling in N Ireland, Best moved across the pond to Newcastle University to study Agriculture.
It was during his time at university that Best first got a taste of professional rugby, playing for Newcastle Falcons as part of their Academy team.
Returning back home in 2002, the then 20-year-old joined Belfast Harlequins, whom he captained before catching the eye of Ulster selectors.
Making his first team debut in 2005, Best has gone on to appear almost 200 times for the Belfast-based side.
When did Best become Ireland captain?
Had he played during a different period, Best would have likely won significantly more caps in charge of Ireland.
Playing most of his career under the captaincy of Brian O’Driscoll and then Paul O’Connell, Best first led his nation during the 2009 tour of North America while the aforementioned were touring with the British and Irish Lions.
He was once again chosen to captain Ireland during the 2012 Six Nations after O’Connell was ruled out of the championship through injury, and in January 2016, Best was announced as Ireland captain for the upcoming Six Nations tournament.
What is Rory Best’s salary?
Best’s salary has remained largely undisclosed to the public, however, he is generally considered one of the lowest paid captains in the Six Nations.
Ireland allegedly pay their players just £5,000 in match fees for each international they feature in, as opposed to £15,000 paid to England’s players.
However, Best would of course receive significantly more remuneration as a part of his contractual agreements with Ulster and his current two-year commitment to Irish rugby.
Who is Rory Best’s wife? Do they have children?
Best married partner Jodie Bell in County Armagh in 2009. The couple have one child, Ben, who was born in June 2010.
Best’s brother Simon also played rugby for Ulster, captaining the club on numerous occasions.
The elder of the two also won 23 caps for Ireland before being forced into retirement due to an irregular heartbeat.
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