Leinster rugby coach Matt O’Connor hits out at the non-availability of stars for crunch clash

Leinster head coach Matt O’Connor has criticised the IRFU’s highly-lauded player management system and the dictatorial manner in which Joe Schmidt and his staff decide when and where the top Irish players can play for their clubs.

The four provinces return to centre stage this week in the wake of Ireland’s dramatic retention of the Six Nations championship five days ago and with Leinster the only one of the quartet still fighting a war on both the PRO12 and Rugby Champions Cup fronts.

O’Connor’s side lies fifth in the league, one spot outside the play-off places after a Six Nations period in which they were denuded of so many players and claimed just a win and a draw in four outings. Victory is a must this evening when they take on Glasgow Warriors in the RDS.