Fitzgerald praises O’Connor’s patience during ‘rough journey’

Luke Fitzgerald has revealed he feared for his career after spending a large chunk of 2014 battling abdomen and groin problems.

The 27-year-old Leinster utility back dropped onto the casualty list following their Pro12 victory over Munster last March, making his return in the 21-16 win at Castres in the Champions Cup in October.

Fitzgerald praised Leinster coach Matt O’Connor for his patience at a time when injuries and retirements had drained the pool of abundant talent the province had been used to calling on in recent years.