Schmidt has consoling words for out-of-favour Fitzgerald

LEINSTER coach Joe Schmidt adopted the role of chief cheerleader for Luke Fitzgerald yesterday but refused to be drawn on the wing’s latest international setback.

Omitted from Declan Kidney’s World Cup squad last year, the versatile back returned to Leinster camp a day later and was in superb form until a recent combination of glute and neck injuries forced him from the front line.

Named in the Wolfhounds squad for the game against England Saxons, it appears that – like Tomás O’Leary who was also absent from New Zealand and has been named in the second-string this week – he still has some way to go to get back in the senior fold.