That those two men are the dream wing pairing of Damian Penaud (nine tries) and James Lowe (ten) puts hooker Sheehan in rarefied company.
The Leinsterman's strike rate is exceptional. In fact, the way he's going, it's a fair bet that, should he overcome the knee injury that's ruled him out for the remainder of 2024, he could take the mantle of highest-scoring forward in Guinness Men's Six Nations history in 2025.
Sheehan already holds the record for most tries by a forward in a single campaign, with his five in the 2023 Championship putting him one ahead of French duo Imanol Harinordoquy and Charles Ollivon (both with four).
Before delving into the list of the top try-scoring forwards in the Championship, it's worth noting that Sheehan is the only non-back rower to feature, making his achievement all the more impressive. That list currently stands as follows:
Imanol Harinordoquy, nine: The formidable French number eight was renowned for his powerful runs and exceptional ball-handling skills. He earned 82 caps for France between 2002 and 2012 and was often the figurehead of the teams that won Grand Slams in 2002, 2004, and 2010.
Jamie Heaslip, nine: An Irish stalwart, Heaslip played as a number eight and was celebrated for his leadership and consistency. He earned 95 caps for Ireland from 2006 to 2017, contributing significantly to their Championship successes in that time, including the Grand Slam in 2009 and the 2014 and 2015 titles.
Lawrence Dallaglio, eight: Iconic English back rower Dallaglio was a key player for England during their dominance in the early 2000s. He was part of the team that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup and secured multiple Championship titles, including 2003's Grand Slam.
Charles Ollivon, eight: Along with Sheehan, the only player in the list still playing at Test level. Since his debut in 2014, back rower Ollivon has been a crucial figure in France's resurgence on the international stage with his athleticism and eye for the try line.
CJ Stander, eight: The robust South African-born Irish forward, known for his relentless work ethic and powerful running, earned 51 caps for Ireland from 2016 to 2021. Stander's ability to break tackles and score tries from close range made him a constant threat and a beloved figure in Irish rugby.
Dan Sheehan, eight: A multiple major title-winner before his mid-20s, Sheehan has experienced more success in the early stages of his rugby life than most do in an entire career. The Dubliner is justifiably considered one of the best hookers in the world.
Sergio Parisse, seven: The legendary Italian number eight is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have never won a Championship title. With over 140 caps, Parisse's X-factor was often unparalleled. Despite playing for a struggling Italian side, his individual brilliance often shone through, earning him respect and admiration across the rugby world.
David Wallace, seven: Known for his speed, strength - and, yes, his try-scoring ability - Wallace earned 72 caps for Ireland between 2000 and 2011, featuring in the long-awaited Grand Slam campaign of 2009. Wallace's ability to support the backline and finish off scoring opportunities made him a hugely effective forward.
Martyn Williams, seven: One of the most gifted forwards of his generation, openside Williams was celebrated for his versatility, intelligence, and all-round skills. He earned 100 caps for Wales, and played a pivotal role in their Grand Slam victories in 2005 and 2008 (being coaxed out of international retirement for the latter).
Who is Dan Sheehan, Ireland's powerhouse hooker?
Born on September 10, 1998, Sheehan honed his skills at Clongowes Wood College before advancing through the Leinster Academy ranks. His rise has been meteoric, marked by a blend of physicality, skill, and strategic acumen.
Sheehan’s journey with Leinster has been impressive. He made his debut in 2020 and quickly established himself as a formidable presence in the front row. Known for his dynamic playing style, Sheehan is not just a traditional hooker; his athleticism allows him to cover ground quickly, making him a threat in open play as well as in set-pieces. His ability to find gaps and score tries is a testament to his versatility, having already earned a reputation for his try-scoring prowess in the Guinness Men's Six Nations and domestic competitions .
Captaining Leinster for the first time in September 2023 was a significant milestone, underscoring his leadership qualities and the respect he commands within the squad . His performances have been consistently top-notch, contributing significantly to Leinster’s success in the United Rugby Championship and the Champions Cup.
Internationally, Sheehan has been a revelation. He made his Ireland debut in 2021 and was pivotal in Ireland’s Championship dominance. His workrate, precision in lineouts, and scrummaging strength have made him indispensable. Off the field, Sheehan's dedication and continuous improvement reflect in his performances, earning him accolades and a place among rugby’s elite .
