Putting shape on Paris plans

It’s the eve of an all-Irish Rabo Direct pro 12 final, again underlining just how strong the provincial game remains in this country.

There are probably only two moneyed clubs in France with a greater depth of options on their playing staff than three of the four Irish provinces.

I should be in a better position to refine that judgment in a few months. I expect to make my first trip to Paris in the next week to get a proper schedule and structure for my new position with Racing. The media is the media, and the frenzy over Jonny Sexton isn’t surprising. But it’s off the mark. I am not going to Paris to be Jonny Sexton’s coach. That’s the bit I could do in my sleep, but it’s all the other elements of the coaching position that are new and will be challenging for me out there.