News Summary

• Leinster will be forced to follow a very different pathway to compete for silverware this season.
• Having other teams leading the way creates new drama and excitement.
• For Leinster, the unwelcome burden of expectation that comes from leading for the entire campaign will be reduced.
• The Irish Lions have spent the last two months recovering, training and preparing to return to peak condition.
• Unlike the Top 14 and English Premiership, in Irelandthe national cause is (correctly) rated above the clubs, so the volume of training and game time of each national player is calibrated to maximise the Irish national team’s performance.