The older of two brothers in Ireland's squad, most of Simon's caps have been as a replacement. He has made only four starts, and now finds himself in competition with Ulster team-mate Bryan Young to provide back-up for John Hayes and Marcus Horan. Missed the summer tour to New Zealand and Australia with a broken leg, only recovering this season. Made a substitute appearance in the final autumn Test against the Pacific Islanders, and this rugged, combative prop is sure to add to his tally during the 2007 RBS 6 Nations and World Cup build-up.