
Rugby
Share
Published 23:10 12 Sept 2020 BST
Updated 10:19 14 Sept 2020 BST
Explore more on these topics:
"There really were," he says. "A lot of credit has to go to Guinness and the tournament organisers for getting this condensed schedule out, with two pretty full-on derby games that lead into a semi-final and final. It's a nice, clean end to the season so a huge amount of credit has to go to the tournament organisers. "I thought they were very pro-active, right from the off, to make these dates. And there was a realistic timeline as well, to allow the teams enough time to get back after whatever the lockdown period would be. After that 10, 12 week period, whatever it was going to be; 16 weeks. There would still be enough time to come back, return to contact... As you say, it might have been easier to say, 'Right, we'll cut our losses here and move on to the following season'. But they've been excellent in that regard."
There was a lovely moment, after the game, when Leinster captain [on the day] Garry Ringrose and squad captain Johnny Sexton handed out the medals to their victorious teammates. Then, both stood back and allowed Fergus McFadden and Rob Kearney - decked out in their club tracksuits - step forward to lift the trophy.
Following the game, Leinster forward Josh van der Flier spoke about the gesture and the two backs that will leave their home province at the end of this season.
"For me personally, they are the heroes I would have watched in school. Ferg is one of the best team-mates you could ever come across, always gives 100 per cent. Rob, obviously his success speaks for itself. He has been around a long time and has consistently performed for Leinster and Ireland. "It's going to be tough saying goodbye to them but it was nice to be able to get them here today given the circumstances. "And for them to lift the trophy was very appropriate for all they have given the team and to do this present squad as well. They are a tremendous part of the club and they will be for the rest of history. They are that special to the club."McFadden is hoping to get back playing before the season wraps after he picked up a calf strain back in July. Kearney was fit and available but missed out on the match-day 23. Leinster face Saracens next Saturday, back at the Aviva Stadium, and could yet have three games left in this elongated 2019/20 season. The Leinster veterans could play roles yet in ensuring Leinster end up lifting another piece of silverware.
Ref mic picks up risky backchat from annoyed Munster captain Beirne
He was not at all pleased…. As expected, a strong Munster outfit put a big score against a seriously depleted Ulster team, beating them 41-14 at Thomond Park on Saturday. The result puts Munster up to fifth in the URC, after a hugely tumultuous few weeks, while Ulster are down to eighth, and just three […]
Rugby
1 day ago
The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 137
Another big teaser! The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz is going nowhere! Give it a crack and good luck!
Rugby
5 days ago
The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 136
Rugby