O’Sullivan sees Irish silver lining in Lions tour

Simon Lewis – The Irish dividend

You won't find many who disagree with the old adage that every player and coach who comes on a Lions tour goes home better for the experience, and it has been heartily endorsed by Ronan O'Gara and Eddie O'Sullivan, who both see what has been a difficult tour to New Zealand having a silver lining for Irish rugby.

Ireland coach O'Sullivan believes it is not just the Test stars who will feel the benefits: "I think the players, in particular the ones playing at this level and even the guys who haven't made the Test side, guys like Denis (Hickie) and Gordon D'Arcy, who have been unfortunate not to make the Test side, they're learning hugely and they're realising that they are able to operate at this higher level."