Was he a practising Roman Catholic priest at the time of his caps?
Anon “Catholic priest in Ireland fifteen” read the headline in a national newspaper when Tom Gavin was selected to win his first cap, against France in 1949. The article went on to say: “A Roman Catholic priest is for the first time to play for Ireland at Rugby football. He is Father Gavin, the London Irish centre.” Ireland lost 16-9 but he kept his place for the 14-5 victory over England which set Ireland on their way to back-to-back Triple Crowns. He gave way to Noel Henderson for Ireland’s last two games of the season. He is thought to have been the only practising priest to have played Test rugby. Early last season he was the guest of honour of his old club for their Guinness Premiership match against Sale Sharks at the Madejski Stadium, London Irish giving early notice of their improving stock by thrashing the then league-leaders. Marnie Cunningham (Ireland 1955-56) and Terry Curley (Australia 1957-58) were priests after their Test careers, Curley having given up rugby at the age
