Born in Cork and a Munster Schools Cup player with St Colman’s College, the prop also had rugby spells with Fermoy, UCC and Cork Constitution.
He played once for Munster, in the 2005/06 season before securing a move to Harlequins in the Guinness Premiership. In order to enhance his International claims, he joined Leinster in 2009 and won the Champions Cup with them in 2011 and 2012. He was a PRO12 finalist with the province the same two seasons before winning the title in 2013, along with the Challenge Cup, and the PRO12 again in 2014.
Ross made his international debut only months later against Canada. He played in all Ireland's games at RWC2011. Started in three world cup warm up games last summer then appeared in four of Ireland games, including the quarter-final, at RWC2015 in the No.3 shirt. He has become an integral part of Leinster's set up and has over 100 caps for the club.
Ross will be leaving the club in May 2017, after Leinster chose not to renew his contract, calling time after an 8 year spell in Dublin. Since returning from injury, the 37 year old Ross has been unable to force his way ahead of Michael Bent as tighthead prop cover for Tadhg Furlong.
In April 2017, Mike Ross has confirmed that he will retire from rugby at the end of the season.
The 37 year old Cork native has played on 61 occasions for Ireland since his debut in 2009 on the summer tour to Canada, while he has made a total of 151 appearances for Leinster since his debut in September 2009 against the Scarlets.
A former Munster 'A' and Harlequins player, Ross signed for Leinster in time for the 2009/10 season from Quins and has to date won two Heineken Cups, a Challenge Cup and two PRO12 titles with Leinster.
During this time he also won two 6 Nations titles with Ireland and represented Ireland at the 2011 and the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Ross is set to play for Malahide RFC in their debut 2017-18 season in the UBL (2C).
Leinster Caps (to date): 151 (debut v Scarlets in September 2009)
Harlequins Caps: 84
Ireland Caps: 61 (debut v Canada in May 2009)
Achievements: Two 6 Nations titles, Two Heineken Cup titles, Challenge Cup title and two PRO12 titles.
(Sept 2017)
Career
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Clontarf RFC Tighthead Prop |
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Malahide RFC Tighthead Prop |
2017 - present |
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Munster Rugby Tighthead Prop |
2005 - 2006 |
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Harlequins Tighthead Prop |
2006 - 2009 |
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Irish Wolfhounds Tighthead Prop |
2015 - 2015 |
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Ireland Tighthead Prop |
2009 - 2017 |
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Leinster Rugby Tighthead Prop |
2009 - 2017 |
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Barbarians Tighthead Prop |
2017 - 2017 |
