Leinster Rugby vs DHL Stormers

Last season was an injury
interrupted campaign for the
Louth native. He only played in
four matches, scoring one try.
Not since the 2009-10 season had
Kearney featured so rarely for
Leinster.
His 2021-22 season finished in March,
but with eight BKT URC appearances to
his name this season, he is delighted to
be back on the pitch more regularly, and
back scoring tries too!
“It’s been great”, Kearney said earlier
this week, when asked about getting over
the injury demons that plagued him last
season.
“You’re always a happier player when
you are injury free, and when you’re
enjoying playing. Every season can be
different though - a lot of the time it can
be pure luck.
“It’s been great to be on the pitch so
much. I’ve had one or two niggles but
I’ve been enjoying the last couple of
months.”
With 181 Leinster caps to his name so
far, Kearney is one of the veterans in
the squad. It’s a role he feels has more
responsibility during the international
windows, when many of his teammates
are away with Ireland.
“My role does change this time of year.
You have to take more of a leadership
role.
“It’s a different time of year for sure
though, with so many of the guys in
Ireland camp. It’s a great time to be
involved with Leinster.
“There are a lot of lads getting
opportunities and young lads putting up
their hands. You have the same group for
seven or eight weeks. Plenty of them have
done really well. It’s great to see the next
generation of players coming through.
“Off pitch, I don’t speak a lot during
meetings, but this time of the year I’d
speak more. In games, I’d still talk a lot,
but it’s a time to help coach some of the
younger players who are getting more
game time.
“Players in the back three are constantly
learning, and this time of year can help
me help develop those players too.
“I’d like to make sure they fit in as
seamlessly as possible, so when their big
day comes, they are in the best place
possible.”
Such is Kearney’s role in the squad,
he presented Aitzol King and fellow
Louthman Tadgh McElroy with their
Leinster caps, after making their debuts
this season.
“It’s a very cool thing to do. We didn’t do
it back in my day, when I was starting off.
It’s something that Leo has brought in.
“It’s a cool thing to do, and something
these players will always remember.
Coming in after a win, and getting your
first cap is a very special moment. It’s
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