RUGBY: John O'Sullivan talks to the Leinster hooker, who is enjoying life on and off the field.

Shane Byrne bears the relaxed demeanor of a contented man. It is not difficult to fathom the reasons for his happiness. The past 15 months have been especially memorable for the 31-year-old Blackrock College hooker on a professional and personal level.

An integral part of Leinster's Celtic League triumph and march to the quarter-finals of the Heineken European Cup, he won his first cap for Ireland against Romania in Bucharest, guaranteeing a double celebration by hosting his "stag" there immediately after that match.

Last Saturday Byrne won his seventh cap when Ireland faced the same opposition at Thomond Park, albeit the circumstances were considerably more muted given Keith Wood's family bereavement.

Byrne, capped 94 times by Leinster, is also thriving off the pitch as he and his wife, Caroline, are expecting their first children, twins, in November. "Last year was a superb year for me as I finally got the number two berth for the number two jersey. Being realistic that is what is attainable injuries notwithstanding as far as the Irish jersey is concerned.

"I want to cement that position and to develop as a player. I am fitter and stronger than I have ever been after the summer training camp in Poland. It's also important that I try and keep Keith (Wood) on his toes so that the Irish management has no qualms about putting me on the pitch because of injury or whatever. There has to be no doubt in their mind that I am capable of doing that job."

The World Cup in Australia next year is an obvious preoccupation for all Irish players but Byrne is experienced enough to realise the fragility of any individual's claim: loss of form and injury just two of the pitfalls of any sportsman. Suffice to say that he would love to play in Australia but not just travelling down under to make up the numbers.

"I was involved in the 1995 World Cup. I would love to be involved in a World Cup that people talk about, something that the Irish people can be proud of for years to come." Ireland's first Test performance against New Zealand during the summer when they came close to recording a first ever victory over the All Blacks still rankles with Byrne.

"The reality is that we didn't win and therefore our record hasn't changed. We have got to start challenging the world elite and coming out on top; no more moral victory crap or aren't we great little fellas because we came close. That's not good enough any more. It's about winning."

International demands will dictate that he won't be available to Leinster as often this season but Byrne believes that the youngsters in Matt Williams's squad can bear the responsibility and continue to ensure that the province is successful. "It's going to be a difficult year for all the provinces because, potentially, their national squad members could play more internationals than provincial games, which is most unusual.

"I have had just a week with Leinster prior to the first Celtic League match against Pontypridd before disappearing to Limerick to prepare for Romania. International rugby is a reward for hard work with your province and in no way dulls ambition.When we put on the Leinster colours we really want to play well.

"We like winning with this jersey on, especially in Donnybrook. There is a great deal of internal pressure of our own making. We want to do well: last season is exactly that as far as we are concerned. It was great to feel that spark when we were running the plays, the buzz certainly hasn't diminished.

"I have no fear that the young players will be able to carry the mantle. Some of them are wonderfully talented. Anyone who doubts the ability of those youngsters would do well to recall the game against Swansea last season when we (Leinster) rested many of the senior players. The young guys won and won well. I have no doubts about their capacity to keep things going in the absence of some of the senior players.

"I'm convinced that when we get back there will be plenty to play for and that would be a great boost. There is so much to look forward to this season. I am fitter and stronger than I ever was thanks to the Poland training camp. It's now a question of a great deal of hard work and a little bit of luck."