Leinster Rugby vs Glasgow Warriors

Finally, well done to Josh van der Flier.
It is a magnificent achievement to
become only the third Irish player ever
to receive the World Rugby Player of
the Year Award. Josh is one of the most
humble and hard working players you
could every hope to coach. He is also a
gentleman and we were all thrilled for
him.
He deserves the recognition after a
stellar year, but like us all, I know that
Josh still has plenty that he wants to
achieve this season and beyond and
he’ll be focused on that when he joins
back with us next week.
Thanks as always to our loyal sponsors,
especially Bank of Ireland, who like
our supporters are with us through thick
and thin. We wouldn’t be where we
are without you. DigitalWell is the latest
organisation to join the Leinster family
and we are delighted to have them on
board.
Welcome also to Shane Nolan, who
takes over as Leinster Rugby CEO, with
today his first formal game at the helm.
We are really excited to start working
with Shane and I know he has some
great ideas on how to grow the club.
Shane takes over from Mick Dawson,
who has been such a pillar of support to
us all, myself included, for many years
– we wish Mick and his family all the
best in retirement, and hope he enjoys
much success with Lansdowne FC in his
Presidential year.
Speaking of great Leinster supporters, we
were all saddened to hear of the recent
passing of Paul McNaughton.
A multi-talented sportsman himself, Paul
served as Leinster and Ireland manager
during a successful professional era that
included Ireland’s 2009 Grand Slam.
He was a great servant to Leinster with a
wonderful perspective on life and rugby,
and he’ll be sadly missed. Our thoughts
go out to the McNaughton family.
Looking ahead, we can’t wait to get
back into action for what will be a
hectic schedule of club and provincial
rugby over the Christmas period.
The second half of the season is
when everything is up for grabs, and
as a group, we are intent on creating
lots more memorable moments on the
pitch for you to enjoy.
But first, our attention is very much on
Glasgow and the significant threat
that they pose. It will be a battling
and bruising afternoon but I know that
we will have your support behind us
every step of the way.
Enjoy the game,
Leo
www.leinsterrugby.ie | 7