Paddy Wallace facts for kids
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| Birth name | Patrick Wallace | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of birth | 27 August 1979 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Dundonald, Northern Ireland | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 81 kg (12 st 11 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Campbell College | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University | Trinity College Dublin | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Children | Paddy Jack Wallace, Lelia Wallace, Maisie Wallace | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Patrick Wallace (born 27 August 1979) is a former Ireland rugby union player. He played for Ireland's national team and for Ulster. Paddy grew up in Belfast and went to Rockport School and Campbell College.
He was part of the Ireland Under-19 team that won the U19 World Cup in 1998. He also helped the Ireland team win the Grand Slam in 2009. This was a huge achievement in rugby!
Contents
Paddy's Early Career: 2001-2002
Paddy Wallace started playing for Ulster in the 2001-2002 season. He quickly became a fan favorite. He played as a fullback or out-half. His exciting moves on the field made him stand out.
He was chosen to play for the Ireland A team. They played against the famous New Zealand All Blacks. Even though Ireland A lost, Paddy played very well. He also scored 20 points in that game. He helped the Ireland A team win the Shadow 6 Nations Triple Crown.
Overcoming Challenges: 2002-2003
Paddy started the 2002-2003 season as Ulster's main fullback. However, he broke his leg during a game. This injury meant he missed most of the season.
But he recovered in time to help his club team, Ballymena. They won the AIB All Ireland League Title. It was a great comeback for him and his team.
Making the Ireland Squad: 2003-2004
In the 2003-2004 season, Paddy played as the Number 10 for Ulster. This was because David Humphreys was away for the Rugby World Cup. When another player got injured, Paddy was called up to the Ireland Squad for the World Cup.
Even though he didn't play in any World Cup games, it was a big experience for him. When he returned to Ulster, he helped his team win the Celtic Cup. This was Ulster's first trophy since 1999. He also scored a winning try against Stade Français.
Injuries and Comebacks: 2004-2005
The 2004-2005 season started well for Paddy. He kicked a winning drop goal against Edinburgh. But then he got another injury, damaging his knee ligaments. This kept him out of the game for a while.
He returned to play for Ulster and also for the Ireland A team. He played well for Ireland A, scoring 12 points in a win against France A. He was chosen to tour Japan with Ireland, but another injury, a broken hand, stopped him from going.
Winning the Celtic League: 2005-2006
Paddy continued to be a key player for Ulster in the 2005-2006 season. He often played as a backup out-half. He also played for his club team, Ballymena, to get more game time.
Later in the season, he played as an Inside Centre for Ulster. He scored a great try against the Borders. He then helped Ulster win the Celtic League title. This was a very exciting win, decided by a last-minute drop goal!
Playing for Ireland: 2006-2007
In the summer of 2006, Paddy played for the Ireland A team in the Barclays Churchill Cup. He played very well, and his confidence grew.
The 2006-2007 season was a big one for Paddy. He played excellent rugby for Ulster. Because of his strong performances, he was called up to the Ireland team. He earned his first full cap (meaning his first game for the senior national team) against South Africa.
He also had an amazing game against the Pacific Islanders. He scored 26 points in that match, including a try! He then played in the 6 Nations tournament, helping Ireland win against England at Croke Park.
Rugby World Cup and Grand Slam: 2007-2009
Paddy was part of the Ireland squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France. He played in a warm-up game against Scotland. He was one of the main out-halves in the squad.
The next few seasons were challenging for both Ireland and Ulster. However, Paddy continued to play important roles. He played as an Inside Centre for Ulster. His great club form led to him being chosen as Ireland's starting Number 12 for the 2009 Six Nations.
Ireland went on to win the Grand Slam that year! This was Ireland's first Grand Slam in 61 years, a truly historic moment. Paddy was a valuable member of that winning team.
Later Career: 2011-2012
Paddy Wallace was selected for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. He played in two games during the tournament. Unfortunately, he missed the 2012 Six Nations Championship due to an injury. He continued to play for Ulster Rugby, scoring three tries in nine league games.
