Cheika pays tribute to squad

Leinster head coach Michael Cheika has singled out the versatility of his squad as the province romped home to its second Celtic League title with a ruthless 41-8 victory over Newport Gwent Dragons at the RDS.

The title win is all the sweeter for Cheika as it comes at the end of a season where World Cup-induced fatigue and the long term absence of centres D'Arcy and O'Driscoll forced him to reshuffle his team at key moments.

Reacting after the game, the Australian was delighted to capture his first piece of silverware with Leinster, but says that until his side can progress at European level, they remain only as good as their ERC ranking - which currently places them in seventh.

The victory was also tinged with nostalgia for Cheika - as it marked the last home appearances of man-of-the-match Keith Gleeson and the double-try scoring Ollie Le Roux.