The Irish Press wrote: "The Irish were absolutely bewildered by dazzling movements among the Springbok backs, the daring raids, the unorthodoxy of it all." The Irish press continued: "The crowd came to see Ireland win; they saw Ireland win - the toss, and that was the only consolation from kick-off to full time. Never has an international side been so utterly outclassed. What tremendous strides the game must have made in South Africa in those last six years, that at length it can be written without exaggeration, 'Here is a team superior in every way to the All Blacks of 1905'."

Coincidently the referee for the match was to have been Frank Potter Irwin of England who was the founder of Ilford Wanderers in London, a club Athy have played against several times. He withdrew because he was ill and his place was taken by John Tulloch of Scotland, but he was injured during the match and replaced by Fred Gardiner, the famous Irish forward. It was the first time in rugby history that a referee had had to be replaced in a match. John B. Minch also played for the Barbarians against Wales in April 1915. The game held in the Arms Park in Cardiff was won 26-10 by the Barbarians with the Athy man scoring a first half try in the process.Other players who have played for Athy and achieved full International honours include J.J. Birmingham who won his four caps when playing for Blackrock and Patrick Lawler who was capped in the mid 1950's played for Athy when living in the town for the early part of the 1960's.

Athy have also had three players in recent years who have played for Poland. Marcin Wilczuk arrived from Spain to play for Athy in the 2005 / 06 season. The tighthead prop is one of the cornerstones of the Polish pack and is currently playing for Old Belvedere in Division 1 of the All Ireland League. The following season Marius Wilczuk joined Athy and the centre has also racked up a considerable number of caps for his country. Marius now also plays for Old Belvedere. Pawel Novak another Polish international also briefly played for Athy during the 2006 / 07 season.

Athy have also had one reprsentative on the Irish Schools team when Fergal Lawler was capped when playing with CC Roscrea. Fergal who had payed for Athy up to U16 level was selected to the Leinster schools team on the back of some superb performances for Roscrea in the Leinster Senior Cup and was then selected for Ireland after starring for Leinster in the schools interprovincial series. Fergal is currently playing for UL Bohs in Division1 of the All Ireland League.

Athy have had three players capped at U18 (youths) level with Brendan Markey leading the way in 1988. Brendan continued to play with Athy at senior level before playing All Ireland League rugby with Monkstown before returning to finish his rugby with Athy for three seasons (1 as captain). In 1998 Athy had the distinction of providing have of Irelands three quarter line when both David Dunne and Cameron Blanchfield were selected for the Irish U18 side. Both played senior rugby for Athy before both went on to play All Ireland League Rugby, Dave with U.C.D. and Cameron for Co. Carlow. Both returned to Athy for a season before finishing their rugby.