'I play scenarios through in my head but retain the capacity or strength of character and self-belief to back my judgement in the moment. No matter how good you think you are, if you are not honest or authentic, the boys will see straight through it'

A second successive Champions Cup defeat can turn January sour. This is when pressure makes an unwelcome appearance in thought and deed, in what we do and decide not to do. In how we discard trusted routine.

I’m involved in this wonderful game for over twenty-five years as a professional and I’ve never disrespected it. I don’t pretend to understand how a ten-week ban was arrived at but how dare they accuse me of damaging the best interests of the game.

When you are as happy personally and professionally as I am in La Rochelle, it would take something quite remarkable to change course from remaining here for another few seasons. 

Munster management has a decision to make on who is the ten to lead the side when the big guns come to town. 

'I’d love to have told him in recent times how frequently I have leaned on his tutelage.'

Events can stir the debate quicker than you’d think. If the Innishannon man is playing Heineken Cup rugby over the winter, a Six Nations place is achievable

The trick for test coaches in the November internationals preceding a World Cup year is finding the balance between fine-tuning strategy and keeping the opposition guessing

I’ve no doubt I was shaped at Munster. I’ve made some improvements along the way, listening and learning in different environments has added layers as a coach, but having that experience was a wonderful starting point.

The malaise started right here. I have to put my hand up. Once they see their coach speaking poorly to the officials, it speaks to a poor attitude and bad standards.