Christy drafted in to get rugby stars pumped up for England clash

Yes, Ireland rugby coach Declan Kidney drafted folk singer Christy Moore into the camp ahead of the clash in Twickenham tomorrow.

Christy's song of strife and woe from the past will certainly have got the emotions flowing last night where he entertained the squad at Carton House.

Christy turned up to the Kildare hotel with his sidekick Declan Synnott for the private gig.

Munster hooker Damien Varley was one member of the audience to quickly take to the stage to belt out a tune - and seriously impressed his team mates.

"Christy Moore was unbelievable tonight - had the privilege to sing with him and Declan Synnott," the 28-year-old wrote on his social networking page following the festivities.

Legend

Full-back Felix Jones, who is a huge fan of the traditional singer and has been to a number of his concerts in the past, also got up to play with the musical legend.

"Massive thanks Christy Moore playing for us tonight, still buzzing after getting to play a few tunes with him. [Varley] was outrageously good," Sandycove native Felix said.

Rob Kearney revealed his excitement and called Christy a "serious operator", while Kevin McLoughlin wrote: "What an honour getting to sing with Christy Moore tonight - Damian Varley stole the show though."

Sean O'Brien, known as the Tullow tank, told his Twitter fans: "Christy Moore was very impressive tonight -- Great show." Winger Tommy Bowe was another to reveal his excitement for the "sing song" and yesterday morning said he was "looking forward" to kicking off a great Paddy's weekend.