J. J. McCoy (rugby player)

James Joseph McCoy (born 28 June 1958) in Enniskillen is a former Irish rugby union international player who played for the Irish national rugby union team. He played as a prop forward.

McCoy played for the Ireland team from 1984 to 1989, winning 16 caps and was a member of the Ireland squad at 1987 Rugby World Cup. He made his debut in February 1984 against Wales in an 18-9 defeat.[1]

McCoy was a member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and required two Irish police bodyguards when he crossed the border to represent the Ireland.

In 2012, McCoy was interviewed by former team-mate Donal Lenihan. “I always thought my job was my career. I went into the RUC straight out of school. I had great pride in playing for Ireland and had no problem whatsoever standing for Amhrán na bhFiann. People in the police were proud that I was playing for Ireland. They knew that we got on well with everyone in the Irish squad, that there was no political issues between the players. I never met anyone who gave me grief or said that you shouldn’t be doing that. I loved playing for Ireland.” [2]

References

  1. ↑ "Profile". ESPN. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  2. ↑ https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/i-knew-something-was-wrong-when-20-plain-clothes-gardai-turned-up-at-irish-training-189685.html
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