Sean Cronin: Ireland under Joe Schmidt failed to innovate at RWC 2019 

'The players kind of wanted to develop the game and I suppose you have to admire Joe in a way and that he saw what had got us to that point, but to do it better'

LEARNING ALL THE TIME: Retiree Seán Cronin speaks during the Leinster Rugby Awards Ball. Pic: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Careers end at a defined moment, a final whistle here or maybe an injury there, but retirement is a process that needs time and room to breathe. 

The change is challenging as new rhythms replace established pillars but some find that the penny can drop in the most abrupt of ways after they’ve picked up that last pay cheque.