By the late 1970s he was being hailed as the George Best of rugby, the first player treated like a pop star.
Then, just he hit his prime in 1979 as European player of the year, Ward was devastated when he was dropped on a tour of Australia in favour of Ollie Campbell.
It became the greatest rivalry in Irish rugby history. Behind the scenes, Ward's career was to be blighted with rows and disputes with the rugby authorities.
He spoke to The Last Word about his new autobiography.
Listen back here:
