Jack Conan hit led Leo Cullen to decide: ‘I need to stop playing rugby now’

Head coach Cullen cannot wait to see Conan back in blue even if talking about him yesterday brought about painful memories

Head coach Leo Cullen’s Leinster side play their final warm-up on Friday when they welcome Premiership champions Harlequins to Aviva Stadium before the inaugural United Rugby Championship gets underway on September 25 at home to South Africa’s Bulls. Picture: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Leo Cullen knew Jack Conan could make a big impact in the game the moment he landed a big hit on him as an academy player in training and made the veteran lock certain his playing days were coming to an end.

While Cullen has progressed into management, leading Leinster to a hat-trick of PRO14 titles and the Champions Cup in 2018, Conan’s progress had been less assured until he finally shook off a run of ill-timed injuries at the turn of this year.