Best urges new boys to pick up the baton

RORY BEST has lamented the biggest disappointment of his career but challenged the next batch to carry on the work of Ireland’s golden generation.

At 29, hooker Best, arguably Ireland’s player of the tournament, falls between the new and old guards and can expect to play a prominent role in Ireland’s future as a senior figure over the next four years.

Yet while there was bitter frustration at the thought of an opportunity wasted by being knocked out of this World Cup by Wales at the quarter-final stage, Best said there were plenty of reasons to be optimistic.