Will Jones and Murray prove World Cup bolters?

REGRETS, thrills, spills, celebration and contemplation, so much to occupy the minds of players and coaches over the course of the next few weeks as they take a step back from the unrelenting grind of professional rugby and consider the possibilities for next season.

Leinster are undoubtedly team of the season, playing some wonderful rugby against even the best of opposition on their way to regaining the Heineken Cup. They had to do things the hard way with all their opposition in Europe residing at the business end of the Aviva Premiership or the French Top 14 championship.

Only last Saturday Saracens, who Leinster disposed of home and away with consummate ease in the pool stages, beat Leicester in the Aviva Premiership final, a notable coup for former Ulster coach Mark McCall who took over the reigns at the English club from the colourful Brendan Venter half way through the season. With Conor O’Shea also capturing silverware at Harlequins, it is great to see young Irish coaches proving their credentials overseas. Both men have much to offer Irish rugby in the future.