Tommy Bowe has singled out Dan Sheehan as Ireland’s standout world-class player, arguing that the Leinster hooker could force his way into most international teams.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Offload, Bowe and co-host Donncha O’Callaghan were discussing Leinster when the conversation turned to Sheehan’s performances.

While acknowledging the quality of players such as Caelan Doris and Tadhg Beirne, the former Ireland winger placed Sheehan in a category of his own.

“He’s the one genuine world-class player I think we have in Ireland,” Bowe said.

“We have our Dorises, we have your Tadhg Beirnes. Listen, any amount of guys who are right up there, but I think Dan Sheehan could push his way into pretty much most international sides around the world.”

O’Callaghan had already made his own admiration for the hooker clear, joking that he was close to putting a poster of Sheehan on his bedroom wall.

“I was incredibly impressed with some of the performances, and I hate harping on about the same people as if it’s surprising, but, geez, man, what a rugby player Dan Sheehan is,” O’Callaghan said.

“I’d nearly put a poster of him up in my bedroom at the moment. I’m such a fan.”

Bowe’s assessment prompted a knowing response from his co-host, who joked that they had found the controversial line for the opening episode of the new season.

“There’s the controversial line we needed for the first episode,” O’Callaghan laughed.

However, the former Munster lock agreed that Sheehan offers something special, highlighting his ability to influence those around him as well as his individual performances.

“I do think you’re right in terms of we’re a sum-of-the-parts team, and we’ll always be that,” O’Callaghan said.

“But yeah, you’re right. He’s something special.”

O’Callaghan also put forward Tadhg Furlong and Beirne as players who belong in the world-class conversation, while praising the impact Sheehan can have in a leadership role.

For both former Ireland internationals, the hooker’s quality was beyond question — even if Bowe’s assessment of where he stands among his Irish teammates is likely to spark a debate.

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