Nick Popplewell won 48 caps for Ireland between 1989 and 1998. He played club rugby for Greystones RFC, Wasps RFC, Newcastle Falcons, and also captained Leinster Rugby for a season. At Newcastle he made 19 appearances as they won the 1997-98 Premiership. He started all three tests for the British & Irish Lions on the tour to New Zealand in 1993, and was seen as one of the stars of the tour.