Conor Gilsenan (born 10 September 1992) is an Irish former rugby union player. His preferred position was flanker.
| Birth name | Conor Gilsenan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of birth | 10 September 1992 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Mullingar, Westmeath, Ireland | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 104 kg (16 st 5 lb; 229 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Background
editAlthough he played Gaelic football as a youngster, Gilsenan ultimately chose rugby union when, as a teenager, either avenue was open to him. Gilesenan cited his biggest influence in his chosen profession as coming from his family and 'role-model', Irish rugby player; Brian O'Driscoll.[1][2]
However, he was playing Gaelic football for Wandsorth Gaels of London in 2022.[3]
Rugby career
editThree successful years in Leinster's academy meant many International caps for Ireland at various youth levels. After a short loan spell at Connacht, Gilsenan was signed by London Irish in 2014. At the time Irish were competing in the RFU Championship. Highlights in the years that followed included captaining the club in their run to the British & Irish Cup semi-final (2016-2017 season). He also made six starts for The Exiles in their successful promotion campaign (to the Aviva Premiership). A Regular London Irish player in 2017-18.[4]
He was not named in London Irish's squad update in August 2020,[5] it was later confirmed he had been forced to retire for medical reasons.[6]
International career
editGilsenan is a former Ireland U18, U19 and U20 flanker.[7]
The Apprentice
editIn 2022, Gilsenan appeared as one of the candidates in The Apprentice, and was fired in week two.
References
edit- ^ Q&A with London Irish flanker Conor Gilsenan, The Irish Post, retrieved 17 December 2017
- ^ Promising ex-Leinster back row Gilsenan signs new contract with London Irish, The 42 Ireland, retrieved 17 December 2017
- ^ "'Mullingar Massive!' - Niall Horan enjoys Wandsworth Gaels' London JFC title win". 4 September 2021.
- ^ "London Irish: Conor Gilsenan, Todd Gleave and Harry Elrington sign new deals" (Press release). BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
- ^ "London Irish confirm squad for remainder of 2019/20 season | 13th August 2020 | News". London Irish. 13 August 2020. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
- ^ "Conor Gilsenan to retire from rugby | 1st September 2020 | News". London Irish. 1 September 2020. Retrieved 1 September 2020.
- ^ "Promising ex-Leinster back row Gilsenan signs new contract with London Irish" (Press release). The 42 Ireland. Retrieved 17 December 2017.