Ahead of last year's Six Nations clash between Ireland and France, Andrew Porter was one of several Irish players who were visibly emotional during the playing of 'Amhrán na bhFiann' at the Aviva Stadium.
The Leinster prop won his 50th cap for his country in that memorable victory over the French which truly kickstarted Ireland's run to Grand Slam glory.
Porter has become almost indispensable to Ireland in recent years but, unbeknownst to many, he has done so against the backdrop of immense personal turmoil and family tragedy.
The 28-year-old is one of the leading stars of Netflix's new documentary series Six Nations: Full Contact, and the episode focusing on Porter's personal struggles contains one of the most powerful anecdotes we've heard from a sports star in recent years.
READ HERE: Andy Farrell Wasn't Buying Peter O'Mahony's Claim About Ireland Captaincy Shock
READ HERE: Brilliant ITV Interview Shows What Makes Ronan O'Gara Such A Special Coach
The Andrew Porter episode of Six Nations: Full Contact is powerful viewing
The new Six Nations: Full Contact series lands on Netflix on Wednesday, and Balls.ie were granted early access ahead of its release.
Undoubtedly the most powerful episode for Irish viewers will be that focusing on Andrew Porter ahead of last year's crucial clash with France in Dublin (episode 3, 'On The Edge').
Porter lifts the lid on the tragedy which defined his teenage years, and the immense emotional weight it placed on him as he went through one of the most challenging phases of his life.
His mother tragically died of cancer just days before Porter started secondary school, and he says that he suffered from eating disorders and severe mental health problems across his time in school:
I've struggled with mental health for years. I'm not afraid to say it.
The day after my mum's funeral, I went straight into secondary school. The timing was incredibly bad. You're starting off in a completely new environment, you don't know anyone, you feel completely on your own, and then...you completely isolate yourself. There were a few incredibly tough years.
I went through eating disorders and stuff. There were some days where...I might not be here today. Yeah.
It paints the picture well for a poignant episode about Porter overcoming the emotional struggles in his life - and one particular scene ahead of Ireland v France is immensely powerful.
11 February 2023; Ireland players, from left, Tadhg Beirne, Conor Murray, Andrew Porter, Stuart McCloskey, Josh van der Flier, Garry Ringrose, Hugo Keenan and James Ryan before the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and France at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
As the teams line up for the anthems, tears can be seen streaming down Porter's cheek, as he beautifully describes how his late mother remains with him on the biggest days in spirit:
You know when you can hear that one person's voice in the crowd? It was always my mum's voice in the crowd.
I'm obviously thinking of my mum and wishing she was there on big days like that. It's hugely emotional.
Andrew Porter went on to put in an excellent performance against France and remained pivotal to Ireland throughout 2023, with performances that would surely have made his family proud.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell also speaks well on the culture that is hoped for within the Irish setup, saying that players like Porter are encouraged to be open about their problems and help each other:
Within a team environment, the culture has to be one where people are able to be themselves. Sometimes, even more, trying to bring them out of themselves, where they can be vulnerable, where they can make mistakes, where they can really get to the bottom of what being a real good teammate really means. That's pretty powerful.
I am choosing to do it, but I see it as a privilege, not as a burden.
Porter is a truly inspirational figure, and easily the shining light of Netflix's latest sports documentary.
SEE ALSO: Peter O'Mahony Showed Why He Is Ireland Captain When Asked About World Cup Heartbreak
