Brian O’Driscoll: Axing Matt O’Connor was a rash move by Leinster

Brian O’Driscoll has labelled Leinster’s decision to part company with Matt O’Connor last summer as “rash” as the province turns to World Cup-winning coach Graham Henry to support an inexperienced management setup.

O’Connor had a season left on his three-year contract when the province decided to look elsewhere but an unforeseen shortage of quality candidates willing to take over led instead to the inexperienced Leo Cullen being handed the reins.

O’Driscoll was actually a member of the committee tasked with hiring O’Connor’s successor but believes the club was hasty in seeking change. “If they had their time back would they hold onto him for another year? Quite possibly,” he said. “Perhaps it was a little bit rash.”