Ronan O’Gara: Munster ran into the most awkward team in Europe
Tempers flare between the sides during the game. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
I began compiling a list of folk for whom 2022 is a signature season when it was confirmed that Kevin Gourdon, our La Rochelle international flanker, has been forced to retire from rugby because of a threatening heart condition. He is only 31 and had just signed a two-year contract extension.
The sort that you want to build a dressing room around. He is a loss to management and his colleagues. In the greater scheme of things, retiring at 31 doesn’t seem catastrophic. He’s had a good career and has been capped 19 times by his country. Nonetheless, it’s a brutal and stark reminder not to be looking for the next hairpin until you’ve negotiated the corner in front of you.
