John Hayes (born 2 November 1973) is a retired Irish rugby union player who played in the Pro12 and Heineken Cup for Munster.
He didn't start playing rugby until he was 18; prior to this he played with the local Cappamore GAA club.
It was his size (6 ft 4 in, 19 stone) that enabled him to overcome his late start to the sport.
He continues to "follow GAA in Limerick very much and especially hurling".He first played rugby as a wing forward in a Munster Junior League match for Bruff against Newcastle West R.F.C.