O'Gara pays tribute as Humphreys bows out

Rugby

Ronan O'Gara (right) has paid tribute to David Humphreys, who led Ulster to European Cup glory in 1999

Emotional Humph's farewell to Ravenhill

Friday, May 09, 2008

By Gavin Mairs

David Humphreys today received the ultimate tribute ahead of his final appearance for Ulster at Ravenhill tonight £ from Ireland out-half Ronan O'Gara.

Humphreys and O'Gara starred in the greatest rivalry for the Ireland out-half berth and sparked the fiercest debate across Ireland since Ollie Campbell and Tony Ward went head-to-head in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Humphreys, who made his Ireland debut in 1996, first had to overcome a rivalry with Connacht out-half Eric Elwood but when O'Gara came on the scene in 2000, the competition became even more fierce.

After Humphreys had gone into the 2003 World Cup as first choice, he gradually began to play second fiddle to O'Gara and eventually hung up his boots on the international stage after Ireland's Triple Crown win in 2006.

Now, as the 36-year-old prepares to lead out Ulster for the last time with emotions riding high at Ravenhill tonight for the final Magners League clash of the season against Cardiff (kick-off 7.30), O'Gara hailed his former rival's immense contribution to Irish rugby.

"Obviously I've known David for many years, both as an opponent when we played for our respective provinces and as a colleague with Ireland," said Munster out-half O'Gara.

"I would have the highest regard for him, both as a player and a sportsman.

"We've vied for the same number Ireland jersey and when this went my way, he was always supportive, though doubtless disappointed himself.

"I would consider him a marvellous role model for young players and I wish him and his family all the very best for the future and look forward to maintaining our friendship in the years to come."

Humphreys won 72 caps for Ireland and scored 560 points, second only to O'Gara's haul in the all-time records.

As well as captaining Ulster to the European Cup triumph in 1999, Humphreys, who made his debut for Ulster in 1992, has so far scored a whopping total of 1,585 points for his province.

Leinster and Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll also weighed in with the tributes today.

"David has been an outstanding ambassador for Ulster rugby since making his debut and was an influential figure as the province went on to lift both the European Cup and Celtic League trophies in recent years," said O'Driscoll.

"I had the pleasure in playing outside David for many years for Ireland and he was a composed presence throughout and was an integral part of the national team's success in a competitive area of the squad.

"He should be very proud of his achievements and I would like to wish him and his family the very best of luck in the future."

Tommy Bowe, Roger Wilson Justin Harrison, Mark Bartholomuesz and Neil Best will also make their last appearances for Ulster tonight before departing for new clubs next season.