Rob Kearney: Money isn’t everything to Irish players

Rob Kearney has confronted the atmosphere of doom and gloom that has descended on Irish rugby in recent weeks and countered talk of players being earmarked for lucrative moves abroad by stressing the benefits of staying loyal to the provinces.

With Ireland suffering a disappointingly early, and heavy, World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina, and Leinster and Ulster facing steep climbs to escape their European pools, there is an undeniable air of despondency permeating the Irish game.

With the CVs of players such as Munster’s Simon Zebo and Leinster’s Ian Madigan among those doing the rounds in England and France right now, it is a pivotal time in the fortunes of the provinces, with confirmation yesterday that Rory Best has extended his stay at Ulster a welcome slice of good news.