1. They both have had long and distinguished careers in their sport

(ROG playing for Ireland in 2000 – INPHO/Billy Stickland)

(Robbie Keane as a youngster for Ireland in 1998 – INPHO/Billy Stickland)

2. They both have been at the centre of some iconic moments

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3. Their lives outside of sport attract interest

(That infamous shot of Ronan O’Gara meeting the Queen – INPHO/Dan Sheridan)

(Claudine Keane: wife of Robbie - INPHO/Donall Farmer)

(Robbie Keane meeting Morrissey – via True to You)

4. Both have had flirtations with moves to unfamiliar surroundings in the early part of their careers

(Robbie Keane very briefly played for Inter – Adam Davy/EMPICS Sport)

(O’Gara was once linked with a move to the Miami Dolphins – Elise Amendola/AP/Press Association Images)

5. Both aren’t exactly the toast of the Twitterati these days

6. Both have made some woeful errors over the course of their careers

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7. Both are the subject of humorous photos

(Robbie Keane gives birth to Mido - Via Feedio.Net)

(Ronan O’Gara and his pals enjoy their lollipops – h/t @DonnOSullivan)

8. Both are fond of a bit of karaoke

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9. RTE’s chief pundits are big fans of them both

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10. Both are currently being somewhat overshadowed by younger colleagues

(Shane Long has impressed in the Premier League this year with West Brom – INPHO/Donall Farmer)

(Jonny Sexton has become Ireland’s first-choice outhalf in recent years – Tony Marshall/EMPICS Sport)

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