John Kelly (born 18 April, 1974) is an Irish rugby union footballer. He played for Munster in the Celtic League and the Heineken Cup and currently plays with All Ireland League (AIL) division one team, Cork Constitution. He was a part of the Munster team which defeated Biarritz Olympique in the 2005-06 Heineken Cup final in Cardiff.

Kelly played on the wing or at second centre for Munster. Though not the paciest, he always demonstrated great awareness, rarely lost possession and scored crucial tries. He scored two in Munster's 2003 'Miracle Match' against Gloucester and another the following year against the same opposition. His trademark is rolling over the ball while scoring a try.

He has also played for the Irish national team and was part of their 2003 Rugby World Cup squad. He made his international debut for Ireland against Italy in 2002, scoring two tries in the process. His most recent cap came against France at the 2003 World Cup.

On 21st December 2007 Kelly announced his intention to retire from professional rugby when his current contract with Munster Rugby would expire at the end of 2007. This saw him play his last match for Munster against Connacht Rugby in Musgrave Park in the Magners League. He was replaced with a minute to go in the 17-0 victory to a tremendous reaction from the crowd, and was later chaired off the pitch by his peers.

External links

• John Kelly on munsterrugby.com
• John Kelly on ercrugby.com

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