The key to Leinster's quality is the in-province production line, but it helps when the additions from outside are so good:
LEINSTER TAKE GREAT pride in the majority of their squad being homegrown. We know all about the production line of players coming from the schools game and the sprinkling of talent they draw from clubs around the province. Leinster are good at guiding those prospects into senior rugby.Take, for example, Charlie Ngatai. When injury forced Robbie Henshaw out of yesterday’s Champions Cup semi-final against Toulouse, there were fears that it might swing the tie in the French side’s favour.
His try-saving tackle on Aaron Sexton away to Ulster earlier this season in the URC was a pivotal moment, while there were several of them yesterday against Toulouse.Or this tackle on Peato Mauvaka to force the ball loose early in the second half. Ex-Ireland international Guy Easterby is Leinster’s head of rugby operations and he plays a central role in their recruitment. Having previously played for the province, he re-joined as chief scout in 2008, had a stint as team manager, and moved into his current role in 2014.
Having actually approached Leinster himself, 2018 recruit Joe Tomane did take time to settle into Leinster and his first season wasn’t always of the level they would have hoped for, but he was much better in the 2019/20 campaign as he made eight starts.
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