Listen to the full interview via the podcast
It is probably fair to call it a saga. But at least it had the right ending for Irish rugby.
This week, Ireland and Leinster No 8 Jamie Heaslip was the final piece of a jigsaw of Irish players who decided to remain in their the original packaging rather than leave for lucrative deals in France.
Tonight, Heaslip joined Ger in studio to tell his side of the story and explain his decision to sign on until 2017.
The 30-year-old began by explaining how his background fueled the temptation to make the switch to France.
"In my formative years, I was a bit of a nomad because my Dad worked with the UN. I was born in Israel, lived in Cyprus and Kosovo, lived in Belgium for a little stint and I like new things. I like new experiences, travelling and new cultures. That was something that I thought about," Heaslip admitted, adding that the Mediterranean lifestyle was a big draw having lived in Cyprus. He was also tempted by new challenges in a new environment on the pitch.
However, Heaslip shared his love for the city that he now calls home.
"But it's pretty sweet here. I've got great friends around me in Dublin and Naas. I lived in Dublin for 12 years. It's such a good city. Everyone knows everyone. It's not a big city but it's an old city. It's not like some European cities that were able to rebuild themselves. All the foreign lads who come to play for Leinster think Dublin's a nightmare to get round with one-way streets and little laneways...Dublin's become a melting pot of people and a lot of foreign national companies are coming in and bringing a lot of unique talent to Dublin. It's becoming more and more like a European city."
Heaslip at the Ireland Rugby Open Training, Aviva Stadium ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
In addition, Heaslip's interests in the tech industry and restaurants also means his post-rugby career is intrinsically connected to Ireland.
"I love rugby but it's not the be all and end all for me. Right now as a professional, I will invest everything I can into that. It's my number one priority. Everything outside of training is geared towards being the best pro I can be. But I'm not watching rugby at the weekends. When I'm out of there, I'm done and I'm meeting people that I'm interested in and reading up on things that I'm interested in," said Heaslip who explained that since he is "too involved in rugby", he likes to switch off and pursue other interests.
Heaslip also talked about the challenges of the Ireland captaincy, how he deals with Twitter trolls, why he "doesn't give a sh*t" unless the team is winning, what he thinks about Ireland's performances in November and his expectations for the Six Nations.
Listen to the full interview via the podcast.
Main Image: Jamie Heaslip ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
