Matt O’Connor: Bath clash will define our season

Leinster head coach Matt O’Connor has refuted the idea that this Saturday’s Rugby Champions Cup quarter-final against Bath at the Aviva Stadium is an encounter that will define his time in charge of the province — but agrees that it is the biggest game of the the province’s season.

“Ah, certainly no,” he said yesterday. “It certainly defines the season because it’s knockout rugby and you lose you are out of the competition. We’ve worked hard through the pool stages and now it’s about taking that opportunity.”

The Australian is over halfway into a three-year term with the three-time European champions and, despite retaining the Pro12 title last season, has come under fire for his side’s performances and results so far.