1. Overview
Andrew Gerald Porter (born 16 January 1996) is an Irish professional rugby union player who plays as a prop for United Rugby Championship club Leinster and the Ireland national team. Known for his exceptional strength and mobility, Porter has achieved significant success in both club and international rugby, including being selected for the prestigious British and Irish Lions tour in 2021. His career highlights include multiple Six Nations Championships with Ireland and domestic and European titles with Leinster.
2. Upbringing and Education
Andrew Porter's early life and educational journey were foundational to his development as a rugby player, marked by personal challenges and significant physical growth.
2.1. Childhood
During his childhood, Andrew Porter experienced a profound loss when his mother passed away from cancer.
2.2. Education
Porter attended and played rugby at St. Andrew's College, Dublin from 2008 to 2014. Following his time at St. Andrew's, he continued his academic and rugby career at University College Dublin. During his educational years, Porter was notably recognized for his extraordinary strength and power. By the age of 20, in his first year under a professional contract, he demonstrated the ability to squat 772 lb (350 kg), a feat that already positioned him among the strongest rugby players globally at that time.
3. Club Career
Andrew Porter commenced his professional club career with Leinster, rapidly progressing from the academy to the senior team. He officially joined Leinster in 2016.
He entered the Leinster academy in the summer of 2016. Porter made his senior first team debut off the bench against Benetton Treviso on 2 September, which was the first game of the season. Beyond his impressive power, Porter was also noted for his surprising speed and mobility in open play, known as "in the loose." This was notably demonstrated during the 2015-16 season when, playing for UCD in the AIL League, he made a significant break and scored a try from inside his own half.
4. International Career
Andrew Porter has represented Ireland at various levels of international rugby, demonstrating consistent performance and contributing to significant team achievements.
4.1. Ireland U-20 Team
Porter was a key player for the Ireland U20 team for two seasons. During his involvement, the team achieved their best-ever result in the Junior World Championship in 2016, finishing as runners-up in the competition. Across his two seasons with the squad, he made twelve appearances and scored two tries.
4.2. Ireland Senior Team
Porter first represented Ireland at the senior level in 2017. His consistent performance earned him a selection for the Rugby World Cup 2019 as part of the Ireland squad.
4.3. British & Irish Lions
On 6 May 2021, Andrew Porter was named in the squad for the prestigious 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa. However, he was later ruled out of the tour due to an injury.
5. Playing Style and Physical Attributes
Andrew Porter primarily plays as a prop, a position that benefits greatly from his notable physical attributes and distinctive playing style. He was born in Dublin, Ireland. Standing at 72 in (183 cm) tall and weighing 276 lb (125 kg), Porter possesses a powerful physique well-suited to his role. He is particularly renowned for his immense strength and raw power, which he combines with surprising speed and agility "in the loose" (during open play). This blend of power and mobility makes him a formidable presence on the field, both in set pieces and during dynamic phases of play.
6. Career Statistics
6.1. List of International Tries
| Number | Position | Points | Tries | Result | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prop | 5 | 1 | Lost | England | Twickenham Stadium | 23 February 2020 |
| 2 | Prop | 5 | 1 | Won | Argentina | Aviva Stadium | 21 November 2021 |
| 3-4 | Prop | 10 | 2 | Won | New Zealand | Forsyth Barr Stadium | 9 July 2022 |
| 5 | Prop | 5 | 1 | Won | France | Aviva Stadium | 11 February 2023 |
| 6 | Prop | 5 | 1 | Won | Scotland | Aviva Stadium | 16 March 2024 |
7. Honours
Andrew Porter has achieved numerous team honours throughout his professional rugby career with both the Ireland national team and Leinster.
7.1. Ireland
- Six Nations Championship:
- 2018
- 2023
- 2024
- Grand Slam:
- 2018
- 2023
- Triple Crown:
- 2018
- 2022
- 2023
7.2. Leinster
- European Rugby Champions Cup:
- 2018
- Pro12 (now United Rugby Championship):
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
8. External links
- [https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/player?PlayGuid=AP382464 Leinster Profile]
- [https://www.irishrugby.ie/player/andrew-porter/ Ireland Profile]
- [https://www.pro14rugby.org/player/?PlayGuid=AP382464 Pro14 Profile]