Shane Byrne has joked that he “didn’t have a choice” when it came to taking part in Dancing with the Stars.
His family pushed him into agreeing to join the 2023 lineup as they are big fans of the show.
However, speaking to VIP Magazine ahead of Sunday night’s show, he admits that he is so happy that they forced him, lovingly, into it.
“Don’t tell them but at this stage, I should be thanking them. Really, I owe them a thanks for it. It didn’t feel like it at the time. But they were very insistent that I do it,” he says of taking part.
“It is really going down as a life experience. Thankfully, I have had an amazing life so far in that in the sense I’ve played on the rugby field,” he explains.
He admits that taking part in the competition has reminded him of the buzz he got when he was playing rugby for Munster and for Ireland. And that has shocked him.
“I didn’t think I would get so emotionally wrapped up in it as I have. The competitiveness and everything is there. But I am way outside my comfort zone. Just before you go on you’re feeling that same buzz, those jitters that I haven’t felt in a long time. I didn’t think it would happen, it really caught me on the hop. I am bloody delighted it is happening.”
And his competitive nature has come out, as he is hopeful to make it as far as he can in the competition.
We’ll just have to wait and see what he brings on Sunday night.
Dancing with the Stars continues on RTÉ One on Sunday at 6:30pm
