We couldn't think of any more reasons to love Tadhg Furlong any more than we do, but he went and did it again after Ireland's Six Nations game against France in February.
The Wexford prop was one of many Irish players likely feeling deflated after the 30-24 loss to France. But he didn't let that show in the aftermath.
Many thought the Ireland v France game had a tournament-defining outcome ahead of kick-off, and it turned out to be so, with France ultimately taking the Grand Slam. Ireland would finish in second place, winning all of their remaining games.
Despite the disappointment in Paris, Furlong didn't let emotions get the better of him. Video emerged of him going into the French dressing room after the game.
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Six Nations: Furlong stops in for a beer
You can see the moment at 12:18 in the video below:
He's seen approaching French prop Cyril Baille with the words "how are you, boss man?". We're fairly certain it's the first time Baille was greeted with that phrase.
Furlong then asks if Baille has any beers knocking about in the dressing room and the two say cheers to a "good game". Sportsmanship at its finest on show.
The video was posted on the France Rugby YouTube channel and plenty of French fans were full of praise for Furlong's gesture after the game in the comments sections.
Here were a few comments from the French:
"That's rugby, a big battle, we battle each other for 80 minutes and more and at the end we toast in the locker room with the opponents in friendship and respect (thanks to Mr. Furlong for so much sportsmanship and humility)"
"Furlong comes to toast in the locker room... This sport is magical."
The two props battled it out at Stade de France. Our ratings man Brett Igoe had Tadhg Furlong as one of Ireland's four best players on the day.
"Worked hard to stay in the fight during scrums," Igoe said. "A great battle between him and Baille." Caelan Doris, Tadhg Beirne, and Dan Sheehan also had an 8 out of 10 rating.
Here was his assessment of Ireland's performance on the day:
From the first box kick, Ireland were a team in a complete panic as their attack lacked accuracy in shape and passing as they struggled with the linespeed and aggression of the French defence. The scrum creaked under the immense pressure of their opponents, and uncharacteristically, Ireland’s lineout disintegrated. But a huge 3rd quarter by Ireland got them the bonus point and threatened to take an unlikely victory.
Tadhg Furlong will forever be a national hero in Ireland, and his antics in the Stade de France in February only cemented that reputation.
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