Leinster look for inspiration from within as music strikes up for Leo's Last Dance
19.09.26, 00:32 Updated 21.09.26, 10:40
Pat McCarry
Leinster go into the new season as reigning URC champions but with little of that razzle, dazzle of previous campaigns.
At a recent Ireland jersey launch, Jimmy O'Brien revealed the Leinster brass were giving all the 30+ members of the squad an extra week off before getting stuck into pre-season. O'Brien missed out on that deal as he only turns 30 in November. He will then join the distinguished (baker's) dozen of thirty-somethings knocking about the club.
With Leo Cullen and, more than likely, Jacques Nienaber heading into their final seasons as respective Leinster head and senior coaches, the province are relying on the old reliables. The Last Dance may be more akin to a waltz than a quick-step.
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Pat McCarry has been covering Irish rugby for the past two decades, for outlets including Sunday Independent, RugbyPass, Press Association, The Guardian, SportsJOE and Rugby World. He has written two best-selling rugby books, and his play, Soldier Field, has toured nationally to sold-out audiences.