He missed out on selection to the 2001 British &amp; Irish Lions tour to Australia. He overcame a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained during the 2003 World Cup and forced his way back into the Irish line-up, apparently losing nothing of his pace. His solid form in the 2005 Six Nations earned Hickie a call-up for the 2005 British &amp; Irish Lions tour to New Zealand and the Leinster back became a key member of the successful midweek team.