Phillip Matthews, the first Ardsman to be awarded an Irish cap, went on to win 38 caps in all, a number of them as captain. Phillip played for the British Lions against France in a game to commemorate the Bicentennial of the French Revolution in 1989 and played for the Barbarians, captaining them against Australia in 1991.

Nigel Carr, first capped against Scotland in January 1985, gained 12 caps in all and played alongside Phillip in the 1984/85 Triple Crown success. He appeared for the British and Irish Lions in IRB centenary game in Cardiff in April 1986.

Kenny Hooks represented Ireland against the All Blacks and went on to win numerous caps, captained club in 1989/90 and now coaches at Armagh Royal.

Blair Mayne was appointed Ards captain 1933/34 at the tender age of 18. He was capped for the first time against Wales in 1937 and was a major success in Sammy Walker's British and Irish Lions team that toured South Africa in 1938. He only gained 6 caps prior to the outbreak of World War 1. This great Ardsman's heroic military exploits...he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order 4 times...are of course, another well chronicled story.

Harry Millar gained his first cap on the wing against England at Lansdowne Road in 1951. He went on to play 6 times for Ireland.

David Thompson Irish Colleges

Chris Agnew Irish Youth

Scott Robertson played for Ards 2nd XV in 1993/94 as a 19-year-old, went on to win 23 caps for New Zealand and is currently the coach of the New Zealand Super Rugby side, the Canterbury Crusaders. On 21st March 2023 the news broke that he was to be appointed head Coach of the New Zealand All Blacks, replacing current coach Ian Foster, after the Rugby World Cup in France later that year.

Andy Curry capped twice by Hong Kong vs Papua New Guinea.

Michael Lawton Irish International 7s when at Dungannon.

Budge Pountney Scotland

Isaac Boss New Zealand

Stewart Porter represented Scotland against provincial teams in New Zealand