Heaslip leads tributes as Rocky opts to roll

JAMIE HEASLIP last night hailed Rocky Elsom’s short-lived tenure in a Leinster jersey, as the Heineken Cup champions finally waved the white flag yesterday in their bid to retain the Wallaby’s services for another season.

The 26-year old flanker has signed a two-year deal with the Australian Rugby Union and ACT Brumbies after talks aimed at allowing him to continue with Leinster whilst representing the Wallabies came to naught.

“He’s awesome, one of the best I’ve ever played with,” said Lion backrower Heaslip. “Even though he is almost the same age as me, I learned a huge amount from him. It was great to have him for a year and he really bought into the whole Leinster thing. But he wants to play international rugby, and you can’t blame him for that.”