Former New Zealand lock Brad Thorn is retiring at the end of the season following a glittering 21-year career in which won the biggest prizes in rugby league and union.

While not wanting to take one whit from the richly-deserved adulation accorded by the Irish public to Brian O’Driscoll in the past few weeks to mark his international retirement, please let us spare a thought for another of our rugby superstars, Ronan O’Gara.

Departing communications officer Peter Breen reflects on 10 great years at Leinster.

Leinster 19 Ulster 6