'It's both brilliant and depressing' - Kidney on reuniting with former players-turned-coaches

Prendergast and Leamy are hardly the first of his old boys to make themselves at home across the white lines.

2006: Munster's Denis Leamy with head coach Declan Kidney after the final whistle. Heineken Cup Final, Munster v Biarritz Olympique, Millennium Stadium. Pic; Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE

When Declan Kidney pitches up at Musgrave Park for London Irish’s latest pre-season friendly, the sight of Mike Prendergast and Denis Leamy in the opposition box will bring back fond memories of times shared, and a trace of wistfulness at the passing years.

“It’s both brilliant and depressing,” he laughed. “I’m delighted to see them there. They have a great understanding of the game and a great understanding of Munster and it is brilliant to see. It’s just a bit depressing that we are all getting a bit older.”