NEED to know how the Lions mess with your head? On the morning of Warren Gatland’s tour squad announcement I was watching Sky Sports News thinking ‘my name could get called out here’.

It’s the eve of an all-Irish Rabo Direct pro 12 final, again underlining just how strong the provincial game remains in this country.

The latest addition to our stellar team of rugby writers reflects on the ups and downs of a magnificent playing career — and reveals the reasons why he’s chosen to move to Paris to kick-start his coaching career.