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.

One of the cornerstones of All Black rugby heritage is the ability to score from anywhere or off anything. I don’t see it now

Crusader is a modern-day Paul O’Connell with an IQ that very few people in world rugby have or appreciate