Cullen happy with 'ugly' win in tough conditions

GRINDING IT OUT: Harry Byrne of Leinster, left, celebrates with teammate Luke McGrath after the United Rugby Championship match between Munster and Leinster at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Leo Cullen praised his Leinster side for grinding out a narrow victory at a rain-hit Thomond Park as they saw off home side and derby rivals Munster 9-3 on Tuesday night, their fifth successive win against their interprovincial foes.

Cullen’s men returned to the top of the URC table with their eighth win in a row in all competitions having last lost on the opening day of the league campaign in October and despite having had to rest key Ireland frontliners due to IRFU player welfare protocols.