Humble Heaslip hails coach Cheika

JAMIE HEASLIP yesterday praised coach Michael Cheika’s rotation policy for helping to keep the Leinster squad fresh ahead of next weekend’s Magners League final clash with the Ospreys.

The number eight was last night named the Bank of Ireland Leinster Player of the Year following a series of barnstorming performances, notably in the Heineken Cup quarter-final win over Clermont Auvergne and the recent victory in the derby against Munster in the last four of the Magners League.

Heaslip’s award was presented in front of 350 guests at the province’s annual awards ceremony at the Burlington Hotel, Dublin last night.