Why it’s not All Black and white - website audio exclusive

In a world where the principles of playing sport are often overshadowed by an emphasis on money and competitiveness, Tony Ward reminds us that a sporting career can also be about enjoyment.

The former rugby star spoke to the College View about his playing days, deciding between soccer and rugby, Ireland’s new set up and why he is envious of today’s generation.

Ward played as an out-half for Leinster, Ireland, the British Lions, the Barbarians and most memorably Munster.

On October 31 1978, he kicked two drop goals and a conversion in their famous 12-0 win over New Zealand at Thomond Park.

As a key player in that historic match the 54 year-old says the occasion represents the highlight of his rugby career.

“It was a very special day and a very special event which was a huge boost for Irish rugby at the time,” said Dublin-born Ward.

The fly-half also played soccer for Shamrock Rovers and Limerick United, where he made an appearance in the UEFA Cup in 1981 and won the FAI Cup in 1982.

Ward, who played both left and right of midfield, regards soccer as his “first love” in sport and says the game had a huge influence on his life.

“Up until I left school I just wanted to play soccer,” said Ward. “I was big into Leeds and a Rovers fanatic. When they offered to sign me, I jumped at it.”

He added: “Then in college I went back to playing rugby again and played a bit of soccer with Limerick.”

After the versatile sportsman finished at college, he had to make a decision between playing rugby as an amateur or soccer as a part-time professional.

Ward recalled the choice being a difficult one but says his passion for playing rugby was the defining reason for pursuing his interest in the sport.

“I just loved being involved in rugby from the very beginning,” said Ward.

“I loved the whole ethos of the game and things started happening for me as well.”

The Dubliner went on to win 19 caps for his country between 1978 and 1987, scoring 113 points including what was then a record 38 points in his first five nations season.

He also represented the British Lions on their tour of South Africa in 1980, scoring 48 points in his five games including 18 against the Springboks.

Ward now spends his days working as a sports journalist for the Irish Independent and a rugby commentator for RTE. He also coaches rugby at St. Gerard’s School in Bray.

The former Lions’ player however says there is nothing which fills the void like playing.

“It keeps me involved in the sport but it doesn’t substitute for not playing,” said Ward.

Since Ward ended his playing days, the game has changed and is now in the professional age. Irish rugby too is evolving with the recent appointment of coach Declan Kidney signalling the dawn of a new era.

Ward is an admirer of the new Irish coach and referred to him as the “ultimate pragmatist”.

He said: “I think Declan will do well. He is realistic in everything he does and is very good at delegating, listening to people, filtering advice and applying it.”

The former Irish international said he was “encouraged” by Kidney’s first squad selection for the autumn test series against Canada, New Zealand and Argentina.

Ward describes Ireland’s current backline as the “most exciting” in living memory and says he is positive about the state of Irish rugby.

“I’m very optimistic as to where we’re about to go from here,” said Ward.

Despite a remarkable playing career as an amateur Ward wishes that he had the chance to become a full-time professional.

He said: “I would love to have been a professional sportsman. That is my one regret.

“I am very envious of today’s generation for the opportunity they have and I would have liked to have had that opportunity.”

To encourage young people to get the most out of playing sport, the former rugby star advises students to maximise their opportunity and enjoy every minute whilst doing it.

“The more you go on in life, the more you appreciate the advice people give you,” said Ward.

“Try to enjoy it as much as you can because it is such a short time in your life and before you realise it, it will have gone by you.”

Download the interview.