Dark clouds lift as injury-hit McLaughlin back with a bang

INJURIES almost led to Kevin McLaughlin’s premature retirement last summer and the Leinster flanker’s excellent start to the season isn’t the only reason he is thankful.

At the age of 24, and after a succession of injury setbacks, the St Mary’s man found himself contemplating the possibility of a life on Civvy Street and the options weren’t all that appealing.

“Believe it or not, I was looking in the banking sector,” he joked yesterday. “So I’m thankful now! I have been doing some work experience in Anglo Irish Bank so I have some contacts there for what they’re worth.”