The former Lions, Ireland and Leinster full-back is back with his native club in county Louth Cooley Kickhams and club secretary Brian Rafferty is delighted to have him back after all these years.

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“He’s back training with the club,” Rafferty said of the former Louth minor.

“Our seniors and juniors train together. We have 41 or 42 fellas that train together and then three coaches there to look after them.

“Rob is trying to give something back to the club. He felt that he always had to do that.

“He left when he was young but always supported the club and we have welcomed him back with open arms.

“He’s one of our own and he said that last night. Any time he was here he was always welcome at the club. He was straight into the fold and he’s taking it from there and he’s going to see how he gets on.”

“He’s going to continue train and he’s hoping to play a bit. He’s like everyone else, he’ll fight for his place.

“He said he’s rusty and that he hasn’t held a Gaelic ball in his hands for 16 years.

“He ran around last night and after five minutes it was as if he was never away from us.”