Damien Blanch (born 24 May 1983) is a former Ireland international rugby league footballer. He last played in the Super League as a er for the Catalans Dragons, and has previously played for the Widnes Vikings, Castleford Tigers (Heritage № 843) and the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats (Heritage № 1263). Background Blanch was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Career He received an international call-up from Ireland in November 2006, and was named in the Ireland squad for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup. He finished the tournament among the top try scorers, attracting praise from many pundits for his good performances as Ireland exceeded expectations. He was named Ireland player of the year for 2009. Blanch joined Catalans Dragons ahead of the 2011 Super League season, and remained there for three years before departing at the end of 2013. In 2011 he was the club's top try-scorer. He was named in the Ireland squad for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. He is currently playing for the Thirroul Butchers in the Illawarra Coal League. References External links Wakefield Trinity Wildcats profile Ireland profile Castleford Tigers profile (archived by web.archive.org) Widnes Profile Blanch signs new Wakefield deal 1983 births Living people Australian people of Irish descent Australian rugby league players Castleford Tigers players Catalans Dragons players Ireland national rugby league team players Rugby league players from Sydney Rugby league wingers Wakefield Trinity players Widnes Vikings players