Irish World Cup selection Michael Ward has quit his job as a maths teacher just to participate at the tournament for the Wolfhounds who begin their campaign against Jamaica in Leeds.

Ward, who plays for the part-time Batley Bulldogs championship side in England, was unable to get time off work to participate but says he wants to ‘chase his dreams’.

“It’s a really big honour for me,” Ward told BBC Radio Leeds.

“I’ve had to give up my job as a teacher to do it.

“So it’s an achievement of a lifetime.”

The Irish squad includes NRL star Luke Keary who will play in the halves.