Leinster go on retreat before launching critical phase of European assault

Leinster have raised the drawbridge ahead of their do-or-die Heineken Cup tie against Scarlets next weekend and retreated to the solitude of Johnstown House in Co. Meath for a two-day camp.

The four-star development boasts state-of-the-art sports facilities that include a full-sized rugby pitch, an all-weather surface, changing rooms, gym and physiotherapy facilities and Leinster have made use of it before.

Sunderland, Leeds United, Shamrock Rovers and the Cork and Galway county boards have all signed the guest book in times past as well, as have the Irish and French national rugby squads.