Saturday night makes one appreciate that the beauty of sport lies part in the fact that there is more to success than money, natural ability and rankings.

The Leinster team filed slowly on its arrival from the gates of the Sportsground along the back of the Clan Terrace and towards the sanctuary of the away dressing room when Brian O’Driscoll’s path was about to be blocked by a local fan.

Eric Elwood’s all-consuming passion for Connacht and rugby became a huge factor in his decision to step down as head coach at the end of the season.

GERRY KELLY was working on an intriguing seating plan as darkness fell in the Sportsgrounds yesterday.