McLaughlin ‘huge loss’ for Leinster, says Cullen

Leinster coach Leo Cullen yesterday admitted the forced retirement of Kevin McLaughlin “was tough news to try to process.” The 31-year-old flanker was forced to quit the game last week due to medical concerns about his increasing susceptibility to concussion.

Cullen admitted that McLaughlin would be a huge loss for the province, especially as he had been chosen as stand-in captain for the duration of the World Cup.

“It is a huge loss for Leinster. We picked him as captain and that is a reflection on what his peers, and his coaches, think of him. He is just a really good character to have around the place. He always played the game full on.