La Rochelle trip marks end, and start of, an era for Leinster at out-half

The choice this weekend - if there ever was one - fell between Harry Byrne, Ross’ younger brother and Ciaran Frawley after his impressive effort when coming on early against Munster.

NEW ERA: Ciarán Frawley and Harry Byrne of Leinster. Pic: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

The rugby world had no reason to rock on its axis when Joey Carbery limped off with an ankle injury 15 minutes into Leinster’s Champions Cup tie away to Northampton Saints this very weekend seven years ago.

The Athy man’s real injury torment was still almost three years and another ankle issue down the line. It’s only now, with the benefit of all this hindsight – and some digging through the archives – that the game in Franklin’s Gardens takes on added meaning.