Double Lions tourist John Hayes has been described as a ‘legend’ by one of his Munster and Ireland team-mates.
Hayes, who represented the Lions in 2005 and 2009, played the full 80 minutes in
There has been much talk that the 37-year-old will call time on his illustrious career before the start of next season, with this year’s World Cup being mooted as a possible swansong.
And while neither
“He’s just a great example as a player,” Leamy told the Irish Times after Munster beat their bitter rivals 19-9 to claim Grand Final glory at Thomond Park.
“He kept his head down, was quiet, never complained, shied away from all media and cameras and just did his job incredibly well and dealt with criticism and dealt with the highs and everything so well.
“He’s just a great example to young players and is the hardest man you could ever meet. He’s really, really made of steel.
“I think he probably deserves a rest, to be fair, after however long he’s been around, 13-14 years here at the top and he deserves his break.
“If the guy does decide to come back to rugby and around here he’ll be welcomed back with open arms. He’s a legend.”
As for Hayes himself, the veteran prop insisted no decision had yet been made as to whether he would add to his more than 200 appearances for
“I don’t know, that’s the honest answer,” explained Hayes when asked whether he would be putting his feet up next term.
“I’ll just wait and see how it goes. I feel fine now, but it’s like anything, when you get a win things don’t hurt. But it’s the end of the season and I’m looking forward to a break now.”
