Richardt Strauss made an impressive international debut for Ireland on Saturday, and yesterday told Off the Ball, “I’ve cut all my bonds with South Africa, I see myself as an Irish rugby player”.

Strauss was in the green of Ireland just a few moments before he had gone about allaying any fears from critics that the South African wouldn’t offer the guarantee of commitment of a native Irish player. Strauss didn’t just impress on the pitch, where he faced his home country- and cousin Adriaan Strauss- but also with his full blooded rendition of Amhran na bhFiann before the game.

Off The Ball’s Simon Hick interviewed the Leinster hooker yesterday