Looking back over the last 10 years of professional rugby at club level, and ignoring the international games, who do you think was the team of the decade?
For me it has to be Leinster, European cup winners on 4 occasions, beaten finalists in 2019 only failed to qualify for the knockout stages in 2013 and 2016, though they did win the Challenge cup in 2013. They’ve won the Celtic League from 2017 onwards, only in 2015 did they fail to reach the knockout stages. And they look all set to be in the mix for both trophies again this season. Also not forgetting they won the B&I cup back to back 2013 and 2014.
Inspirational coaches like Michael Cheika, Matt O Connor, Joe Schmidt have been at the helm and all have had success, but for me the coaching ticket of Leo Cullen and Stuart Lancaster have been the best of a talented lot. Their academy is going from strength to strength with some amazing talent breaking into the 1st team squad. To be able to compete at European and domestic competitions at the very highest level, over the last decade shows how good Leinster are as a club, not only on the field but off the field too. Consistency is key and Leinster have it in abundance. A big part of that success are the fans, they have massive support for all games, breaking records for attendances on a number of occasions. As a Munster supporter and former player I look on with envy the success they’ve had in the last decade. Wishing all rugby fans throughout the world a peaceful Christmas and rugby packed 2020. Mick O Brien