Jack Conan takes criticism on the chin

The physicality endemic to modern professional rugby is asking ever more of the game’s elite players but none reach the top without a thick skin.

Every game and training session is taped. Multiple cameras leave nowhere to hide and, while Joe Schmidt’s review sessions have taken on mythic proportions, they are merely symptomatic of the honesty and forthright criticism that are now integral to the dressing-room.

Jack Conan did some decent things last month against Fiji, scoring a fourth try in what was just his fifth cap, but the Leinster No. 8 didn’t wait for the home truths afterwards and instead approached the Ireland coach for a few pointers.