Whitaker warming to the task in new Leinster backroom role

THERE were some conflicting emotions swirling around Chris Whitaker’s head last Saturday night as he watched Leinster take Munster apart at the RDS.

In his heart of hearts, he still knew that he had made the right decision in calling time on his playing career during the summer but this was Munster. In front of a full house. And Leinster were cutting loose.

“I’m happy with the decision,” said the former scrum-half, “Last week was the first time I thought ‘I’d love to be still playing’ but I think I was realistic (retiring). My body wasn’t up to it.

“I’ve had a fantastic time playing but I was conscious I didn’t want to keep playing just for the sake of playing. I’m delighted with the opportunity to stay here and start doing something else.”

That ‘something else’ is the role of manager with the province, the same position that persuaded Shaun Payne to hang around Thomond Park after his playing days came to an end there.

Whitaker’s new job description has also brought an unexpected bonus. His eldest daughter, Lilly Rose, came up to him the other day and told him she actually enjoys rugby now that daddy isn’t playing and out of harm’s way.

“When I was playing she didn’t watch the games,” he said.

If reports last summer are to be believed, Leinster secured Whitaker’s services despite the interest of at least one Guinness Premiership club.

Not for the first time, either.

Michael Cheika fought off a number of English clubs to sign the former Waratah back in 2006. The two had talked about it off and on last season and it is easy to see why the approach was made.

Whitaker was part of the province’s ‘leadership group’ alongside Leo Cullen and Shane Jennings last year and was the obvious choice to liaise between team and management.

“It is about taking pressure off Cheiks as well. He is under a fair bit of pressure so I was talking to him about it. Nothing came of it until the end of the year with the Heineken Cup. Then I was away after that with the Baa Baas. It was a decision I was glad I made.”

He’s doing a bit of coaching with some of the half-backs at Leinster now as well and, though he enjoys it, he hasn’t looked so far forward as to be sure about the direction his next step will take him.

The immediate focus now is tomorrow’s Heineken Cup Pool Six opener against London Irish in Ballsbridge, Leinster’s first game as reigning Heineken Cup kingpins.

Leicester Tigers are the only side to have successfully defended the title and Leinster’s attempt to emulate them will begin with a tricky group that also contains the Scarlets and Brive.

“It’s an enormous challenge. You need a lot of luck. We’re going into it as title holders, which is great, and everyone is very focused. Fingers crossed, we can go a long way.”

In London Irish they face a side that shares many of their ideals but Leinster have profited by curbing their flamboyant instincts, adding a more pragmatic approach. It is a lesson they will heed again this time around.

“The team showed a fortitude last year. We were determined to make a good go of it. A few games went our way but some of those wouldn’t have gone our way in the past.

“We would probably have been guilty of playing too flashy when the game doesn’t allow you to. Last year showed that you can go a fair way in the competition if you just concentrate on winning games first of all. Points on the board is the big factor.”