Cheika calm before the storm

DEPARTING Leinster coach Michael Cheika is just one of a number of people in the camp trying to keep his emotions in check before tonight’s Magners League final against the Ospreys at the RDS (6.30pm).

Although Cheika can be proud of what he leaves behind, the loss of several senior players and coaching personnel will surely be a reality check for Leinster in the weeks ahead as preparations begin for the 2010 season.

But the Paris-bound Cheika has promised he won’t be choked with emotion prior to his last game in charge. “I’ll leave all that stuff ‘til afterwards,” he said.