The Statistics

DOB: 19/07/1974
Birthplace: Essex, England
Height: 6"8
Weight: 16st 9lbs
Club: St Mary's College
Province: Leinster
Caps: 50
International Record: 4 tries
Honours: British & Irish Lions 2001 tourist.
Debut: vs. New Zealand, November 1997

Malcolm O'Kelly is one of the best locks in the world, one of the "new breed" of locks that are comfortable with ball in hand and running around the park. Lineout jumping in particular is a huge strength of the 6"8 Leinster man, and since making his debut against a touring New Zealand side in 1997 he has been a regular and valued part of the Ireland setup.

Injury forced him out of the 1999 Six Nations but he regained his place for the World Cup of the same year and has since been ever-present safe for a couple of games where he was rested. He scored his first international try against Scotland in February 2000 in front of a home crowd at Lansdowne Road. A 2001 Lions tourist to Australia, he did not make the test sides, the English duo of Johnson and Grewcock being preferred. O'Kelly, however, gained his 50th cap in the 2003 Six Nations and has been a strong servant to Ireland over the years.

External Link: Malcolm O'Kelly Photographs

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