
Rugby
Share
Published 12:32 26 Dec 2014 GMT
Updated 13:52 26 Dec 2014 GMT
Explore more on these topics:
We are taking all of 2014 into account and the hooker has been tremendous all year. He ended last season in top form having lost out on a starting role away to Toulon in Europe. Was crucial to his team's cause in the Guinness PRO12 semi and final. Came back from shoulder surgery, over the summer, stronger than ever. First choice for O'Connor now. Improved line-out throwing and a menacing strike-runner.
Breakthrough player: Jack Conan
The Belvedere man was drafted into the senior squad during the Six Nations window and scored a try on debut, in Cardiff.
22-year-old Conan has become a vital component in the back row, has covered well for both O'Brien and Jordi Murphy, and has an eye for the whitewash. Well thought of within Leinster HQ.
Most improved: Dominic Ryan
After a tremendous breakthrough season of 2010/11, injuries, lacklustre performances and a general sapping of confidence looked to have consigned Ryan to 'whatever happened to?' status. However, with less than 12 months left on his contract, the flanker hit form at the right time. 12 appearances and four tries (up to December 25) this season and providing much-needed aggression in the back row. Made his Ireland debut, in November, against Georgia. A shoe-in for a new contract.
Best try: Darragh Fanning (v Wasps)
The winger also scored a nice try against Glasgow in March but, given context, this fine score tops the bill. Leinster were trailing at home to Wasps when Jamie Heaslip made a super break up the middle. Eoin Reddan spotted the space out wide and Fanning finished off after a clever grubber into the corner. The try proved a winning catalyst.
Best performance: Leinster 34-12 Glasgow Warriors
Like a true cup team, Leinster pulled out a clinical performance when it counted. Brian O'Driscoll hobbled off after eight minutes but O'Connor rejigged his backline by introducing Ian Madigan and shifting Gordon D'Arcy to 13. Zane Kirchner had his best game in blue and Shane Jennings was at his bustling, organising best. The snug win clinched another league trophy and gave O'Driscoll and Leo Cullen a sweet send-off.
Brilliant footage shows Toulon doing training drills on Dublin street ahead of Leinster loss
This is great! Ahead of their Champions Cup semi-final against Leinster this afternoon at the Aviva Stadium, Toulon were seen training in a rather unusual spot. Instead of a field or the gym, they were filmed on a Dublin street doing maul drills, while others causally tossed the ball around. It is unclear exactly where […]
Rugby
2 days ago
The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 138
Another big teaser! The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz is back, and this week 10 is the score to beat. We are covering all the usual stuff with championship GAA, Champions League, and Irish provinces in Europe, with a few extra bits and bobs! You will have to have followed the last week of sport very […]
Rugby
4 days ago
Rugby
Huge changes in store as Lions launch bid to tour new countries
Rugby