The mighty Rory Best is a rugby union coach and former professional rugby union player, who most famously turned out for Ulster for his entire domestic career, as well as captaining the Ireland national team from 2016 to 2019. He is one of the most capped rugby players of all time, as well as the most-capped forward to ever represent Ireland. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2017 for his services to rugby.
Born and raised in County Armagh in Northern Ireland, Best grew up playing rugby and started his sporting career with the amateur side Banbridge RFC in County Down in 2000 when he was 18-years-old. In 2004 he gained his first contract with Ulster, making his debut in 2005. He became captain for the 2007-08 season and remained in the post until he retired in 2019. During his time with Ulster he helped them win the Pro12 in 2005-06.
Best’s international career began in 2005 when he made his debut for Ireland. He went on to be involved in the Irish teams that won the Six Nations Championships in 2009, 2014, 2015, and 2018, the Grand Slam in 2009 and 2018, and the Triple Crown in 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2018.
In 2021 Best joined the American professional rugby union team the Seattle Seawolves as a technical and high-performance skills coach.
Best regularly connects with his hundreds of thousands of followers and fans through Twitter, and Instagram, posting pictures and comments about his sporting life.