O’Leary back in the groove

TOMÁS O’LEARY admitted on Saturday night that he is “a stronger player and person” after he returned from the horror injury which destroyed his Lions dream.

The Ireland and Munster scrum-half suffered a broken ankle against the same opposition at Musgrave Park in Cork back in April. Early signs suggested the influential Grand Slam winner would be out of action until December but O’Leary defied the medics and came off the replacement bench in a thrilling Magners League victory.

O’Leary, 25, said: “I’m delighted to be back and it’s a great honour to be playing for Munster again.