Luke Fitzgerald

Rugger
name = Luke Fitzgerald
Nickname = Fitzzie
birthname = Luke Fitzgerald
birthyear =1987
birthmonth =09
birthday =13
placeofbirth = Dublin, Ireland
height = convert|6|ft|1|in|m|abbr=on|sigfig=3
weight = convert|14|st|2|lb|kg|abbr=on
ru_currentclub = Blackrock College
ru_position = Fullback|capital=yes/Wing/Rugbycentre
ru_clubyears =
ru_proclubs = Blackrock College RFC
ru_clubcaps =
ru_clubpoints =
ru_clubupdate = 27 November 2006
ru_province = Leinster
ru_provinceyears = 2006-present
ru_provincecaps = 8
ru_provincepoints = (20)
ru_provinceupdate = 27 November 2006
ru_nationalyears = 2006-present
ru_nationalteam = Ireland
ru_nationalcaps = 20
ru_nationalpoints = (0)
ru_ntupdate = 27 November 2006
other = yes
occupation = Student
school = Blackrock College
university = University College Dublin

Luke Fitzgerald (born 13 September 1987) is a Rugby Union footballer. He currently plays at winger or centre for Leinster. Having previously studied at Blackrock College he won two Leinster Schools Senior Cups, in 2004 and 2006, but losing to Belvedere College in 2005. He won his first cap for Ireland in November 2006. He is currently studying in University College Dublin. Luke has earned the nickname "Pivot" from Leinster and Irish rugby fans due to his exciting runs and sidesteps from broken play.

Schools Rugby

Luke played for the Blackrock College Senior Cup Team from 2004-2006, winning two Leinster Senior Cup Medals, in 2004 and 2006. He also won a Leinster Junior Cup Medal in 2003.

He was the 2005 Irish Examiner Young Rugby Player of the Year.

Representative Rugby

Luke played four matches for the Leinster Schools' Representative team.

In his fifth year Fitzgerald played three games for the Irish Schools team.

While in his final year he played three matches for the Leinster Under 19's, all as Captain.

He also won the Irish Examiner Young Player of the Year for the 2005/06 season. [http://www.rockunion.ie/bcu/www/index.asp?magpage=7&evid=4826]

Professional Rugby

Provincial

After leaving school Fitzgerald has become a regular in the Leinster Magners League squad. He scored his first try for the province against Edinburgh in the Heineken Cup, having come on as a substitute in a game Leinster ultimately lost 25-24.

International

In October 2006 he was named in the Ireland squad for the Autumn series of internationals. After a strong performance against the 'Mid Week Wallabies" playing for Ireland A he won his first cap on November 26 2006 against the Pacific Islands. [ [http://www.rte.ie/sport/2006/1126/ireland.html Ireland bid Lansdowne farewell in style] — RTÉ News article, 26 November 2006.] In doing so, he became the youngest player to play for Ireland in 29 years. He also became the 999th player to be capped for Ireland . [ [http://www.irishrugby.ie/226_135.php final player ever to be capped for Ireland] — Irish Rugby article.] Fitzgerald is regarded as an excellent player for Ireland's future [ [http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/sport/2006/1127/1164403539732.html ireland.com - The Irish Times - Mon, Nov 27, 2006 - Answers for questions there was no need to ask ] ] and his progress will be carefully monitored by his coach Michael Cheika at Leinster.

His father Des Fitzgerald also played for Ireland.

After much public demand Fitzgerald was finally given a chance in the centre during Ireland's recent match with the Barbarians. He had a fine game putting in a lot of tackles, notably on Lesley Vainikolo and produced quick hands similar to those of Frederic Michalak.He was due to earn a second cap in the centre against the All Blacks. His centre partner would have been Brian O'Driscoll. He was forced to withdraw from this match due to an ankle injury.

References

External links

* [http://www.rugby.ie/provincial/leinster/playerprofiles.asp#fitzgerald Leinster Profile]
* [http://www.irishrugby.ie/7167_135.php Ireland profile]