Rugby Shorts
Croke Park is the long time home to the Gaelic Athletic Association and as such banned sports, most notably rugby and soccer, that did not promote indigenous Irish sports but on this day in rugby history in 2007 that ban was lifted to allow rugby on the historic pitch.
The first rugby union international match was between Ireland and France with the visitors stealing a victory with last minute try in the Six Nations.
The only reason rugby was allowed to play was due to temporary Rule #42 passed at the GAA Annual Congress to allow events other than those controlled by the Association. The rule was passed because the traditional home for soccer and rugby, Lansdowne Road, was being renovated.
Fly-half Ronan O'Gara scored the first rugby try and the venue.
The ‘Croker’ as it is known by fans is the regular home of Gaelic football and hurling.
Rugby Birthdays
1982 - Iafeta Paleaaesina, New Zealand rugby league player
