Why overburdened Leinster need helping hand from IRFU

Leinster will be burdened by massive regrets this week as they somehow attempt to patch themselves up for an unforgiving five-day turnaround with the season-defining outing against Ulster in Belfast on Friday night.

The 20 minutes of extra-time in Marseille last Sunday will have done them no favours either.

Their quest to make the play-off stages of the Guinness Pro12 should never have come to this. Despite the indifferent form that has plagued them all season, the most experienced amongst their ranks will know that, with a bit more ambition, they could well be contesting Twickenham’s first ever Champions Cup final on Saturday week.