It's clear that the outside perception of a hooker's role has drastically changed in recent years. For Ireland, we're blessed with our selection of number 2s in the country, with Dan Sheehan, Ronan Kelleher and Rob Herring proving vital for Andy Farrell's side over the past few seasons.
Long gone are the days of a hooker who only needed to be able to throw straight and be decent in the scrum, now, an international level hooker has to be an attacking threat and regular ball carrier.
Ireland now seem to have yet another hooker at their disposal with Ulster youngster Tom Stewart making headlines in recent weeks. The 22-year-old broke the record for most tries scored in a URC/Pro14 season in Ulster's win 40-19 win over the Dragons.
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Stewart scored three tries in the bonus point win for Dan McFarland's side, his second hat-trick in consecutive games.
In Ulster's last URC outing, Tom Stewart also touched down three times during their win over the Bulls.
With 16 tries in just 13 appearances so far this season, Stewart now his name engraved in URC history. Stewart passed out Tim Visser (Edinburgh 2010-11) and Rabz Maxwane (Cheetahs 2019/20) who both previously held the record with 14.
Here's the moment he broke the record for most tries scored in a URC season.
Take a bow TOM STEWART!🤩
Stewart has now set the record of tries in URC season with 1️⃣5️⃣ 👏 #BKTURC #URC | #ULSvDRA pic.twitter.com/mryFGmdaI1
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) April 14, 2023
Stewart wrapped up his hat-trick with this finish during the second half.
Tom Stewart, again. #BKTURC #URC | #ULSvDRA pic.twitter.com/1JytylM3aT
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) April 14, 2023
Speaking after his man-of-the-match performance, Stewart said that he was "delighted" with the news that he had broke the record.
Yeah, delighted. Didn't actually know until right here, right now. Yeah I'm delighted again, some of them not the most graceful of tries but, more than happy to be the man who takes the credit for the boys.
The former Belfast Royal Academy man has undoubtedly put himself into international contention with his form for Ulster this season and with a wealth of class in the hooker department at Andy Farrell's disposal, it will cause the Ireland head coach some headaches.
Stewart has already been involved in the Ireland squad after being drafted in as injury cover during this year's Six Nations. The Ulster hooker also impressed while representing the Emerging Ireland side on their tour of South Africa last September.
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