Focused Fitzgerald looks to future

LUKE FITZGERALD lifted the lid on his World Cup disappointment yesterday, two months to the day after being left out of the travelling party by Ireland coach Declan Kidney.

The omission of Fitzgerald and Tomás O’Leary dominated the headlines when the 30-man squad was revealed in late August but the Leinster back prides himself on his ability to bounce back from setbacks. And this was no different.

Leinster offered an immediate release for his frustration. He was back training with his club within days. He even played 50 minutes later in the week against Northampton Saints in the last of the pre-season friendlies.