Denis Hickie

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Denis Anthony Hickie is a professional rugby union footballer employed by the Irish Rugby Football Union. He plays his club rugby for Leinster Rugby. His primary position is on the wing. He is also known as Disco Denis as a result of his quick feet and the football boots he wears.

He was born in Dublin on the 13th February 1976. He was educated at St. Mary's College C.S.Sp in Rathmines and University College Dublin (UCD), where he completed a commerce degree. At UCD Denis was on a dual scholarship for rugby union and athletics.

Denis led St. Mary’s College to the Leinster Schools Senior Cup title in 1994.

He made his senior debut for Leinster on the 6th September 1996 in a friendly match away to a Genoa President's XV.

Denis made his senior Irish debut on 1st February 1997 against Wales. He has now earned 51 caps for Ireland. He has scored 25 tries for Ireland and is competing with Brian O'Driscoll for the title of Ireland's leading try-scorer.

He was widely regarded as unfortunate to miss out on selection to the 2001 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.

He overcame a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained during the 2003 World Cup and forced his way back into the line-up, apparently losing nothing of his pace.

His solid form in the 2005 Six Nations earned Denis a call-up for the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand and the Leinster back became a key member of the successful midweek team.

Denis has suffered many injuries throughout his career. His most recent injury occurred in October 2005, in the week coming up to the European Cup, when Denis dislocated his right fibula following a training ground accident and missed the Autumn tests.