With 105 caps to his name and an international career that spanned 12 years, John "The Bull" Hayes is a true legend of Irish rugby – and for the next seven weeks he’ll be sharing his views exclusively in the Irish Farmers Journal as Ireland goes in search of World Cup glory.

John made his debut for Ireland in the 2000 Six Nations against Scotland and he was at the heart of Irish glory when Declan Kidney’s side won the Grand Slam in 2009.

Ireland has never made it past the quarter-final stage of the World Cup but a successful group phase this time around would most likely see Joe Schmidt’s side face Argentina for a place in the semi-final. Two Six Nations crowns in a row have seen Ireland climb the world rankings and expectations are certainly high.

For the next seven weeks, John will share his views on Ireland’s prospects and the players to watch, and give us an insider’s take on what it’s like preparing for World Cup action. Ireland's first game in the tournament is against Canada and kicks off at 2.30 pm in the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday 19 September.

To whet the appetite, embrace the man from Bruff in the clips below – and read his views every Thursday in the Irish Farmers Journal.

51st cap, second (and last) try for Ireland

Barely a dry eye as England comes to Croker and the anthems are played