Tadhg Furlong appeared hugely emotional during the anthems ahead of Ireland's Six Nations meeting with Wales on Saturday afternoon.
The anthems at the Aviva Stadium ahead of big international occasions are generally emotional but on Saturday there was an extra special meaning to them for Furlong.
Tears were seen rolling down his face during Ireland's Call, as the Leinster man lined out for his first Ireland international at home since the passing of his father James back in December.
Furlong played in the opening Six Nations win over France in Marseilles but sat out the victory over Italy at the Aviva a fortnight ago.
😢💚 An emotional Ireland's Call from Tadhg Furlong in his first Test since his father's passing.#GuinnessM6N #IREvWAL pic.twitter.com/dNEiddrE70
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) February 24, 2024
Tadhg Furlong's tears for his father
His father was a regular face in the crowd from the moment he made his international debut against Wales in the build-up to the 2015 World Cup.
Ireland went into the game against Wales looking for victory that would see them equal England's record of 11 consecutive championship victories between 2015 and 2017.
Victory against Wales would also see Andy Farrell's men extend their record 17-game winning streak at the Aviva Stadium, which stretches back to a Six Nations defeat to France in 2021.
Despite a strong start by the Welsh defence, Dan Sheehan broke through in the 20th minute to score the opening try of the game, before James Lowe went over the line 11 minutes later.
Tears for Tadhg Furlong during the anthems pre-match
It's the first time the Leinster man has played for Ireland in Dublin since the death of his father late last year 💚 pic.twitter.com/0uliU5H4Ck— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 24, 2024
After the break, Ciaran Frawley got his first try for Ireland before Tadhg Beirne secured the bonus point late on.
The 31-7 victory means that Ireland are now more than halfway through their bid for back-to-back Grand Slams.
Next up is a trip to Twickenham to face England on March 9th, before the campaign closes with a home meeting with Scotland on March 16th.
See Also: Watch: Ireland U20s Thrash Wales To Continue Their Grand Slam Dream
