Rugby

It's 20 years since Irish rugby turned pro, so here's our greatest moments in photos and videos

As the 2015 Rugby World Cup draws closer, there is a real sense that Ireland can go further than ...

Off The Ball

Rugby

Off The Ball

As the 2015 Rugby World Cup draws closer, there is a real sense that Ireland can go further than ever and reach at least the semi-finals for the first time.

Twenty years on from the dawn of professionalism, success over the next couple of months would be fitting way to mark that anniversary.

But lest we forget, much has already been achieved at provincial and international level by Irish sides.

Former Ireland captain Keith Wood discussed the 20th anniversary of pro rugby on Off The Ball:

Ulster 1999

They became the first Irish province to claim European glory when they won the 1998-99 Heineken Cup by beating French side US Colomiers in the final at Landsdowne Road.

Ulster great David Humphreys celebrates with the trophy ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

The first coming of BOD

A golden generation of players began to emerge at the turn of the Millennium and the symbolic figure was Brian O'Driscoll, who announced himself on the world scene with this unforgettable hat-trick in Paris.

Triple Crown 2004

Before Ireland could win Six Nations titles or Grand Slams, they started to show signs of their rise with a first Six Nations Triple Crown coming in 2004.

Ronan O'Gara and John Hayes celebrate Triple Crown achievement ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

Munster 2006

After a few near misses in 2000 and 2002, Munster finally got their hands on the Heineken Cup when they beat Biarritz 23–19 in Cardiff.

Coach Declan Kidney shows off the Heineken Cup to fans in Cork ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

Munster 2008

At the same venue, the province returned to the peak of European rugby by overcoming Toulouse by three points in the Heineken Cup final.

Paul O'Connell embraces David Wallace ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

Grand Slam 2009

We all know where we were as relief washed over us as Stephen Jones' last gasp penalty for Wales dropped short and allowed Ireland to win a first Six Nations Grand Slam in 61 years.

Leinster 2009

In a magical year for Irish rugby, it was finally Leinster's turn to get their hands on a Heineken Cup with Jamie Heaslip's try and Brian O'Driscoll and Jonny Sexton drop goals proving crucial against Leicester Tigers in the Murrayfield final.

Leinster 2011 and 2012

The province flexed their muscles once again to show off their supremacy with further Heineken Cup final victories in 2011 and 2012 under current Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt.

Beating Australia in 2011

While Ireland failed to reach the semi-finals at the last World Cup, they did manage one famous victory in the pool stage by beating the Walllabies 15-6 at Eden Park.

Six Nations 2014

After five years of waiting for a repeat of 2009, a Grand Slam was just out of reach, but a Six Nations title wasn't as Ireland sealed the narrowest of victories over France in Paris on the final matchday.