Rory O'Loughlin finally getting his due after playing the waiting game

The versatile back lost the bones of two years to a run of injuries but he was primed for what would have been his first in Europe in just over 24 months before the Toulon game was called off

Rory O'Loughlin of Leinster is tackled by John Ryan and Andrew Conway of Munster during the Guinness PRO14 final. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Rory O’Loughlin was still digesting his pre-match meal when the message dropped with instructions to log in to a Zoom call just five minutes later. Some of his Leinster colleagues had heard the Toulon game was in trouble but this was his first inkling.

A quick Google later and he was clued in. Game off. There would be no Heineken Champions Cup knock-out tie later that Friday afternoon. Just a hastily arranged gym session that would never be able to flush out the nerves and excitement built up over the preceding days.