Warren Gatland suggested as long as 18 months ago that Trevor Brennan would make a very good second row in the modern game. Recently the Irish coach has reiterated these thoughts to the player in question as he was omitted from the recent training squads. Ten other backrows were chosen so Brennan decided to pursue Gatland's suggestion.

On Saturday at Templeville Road, Brennan lined out in the second row for St Mary's College, bridging a six-year gap to the last time he filled that position and that was at Bective Rangers. So how did he enjoy it? "It was great and I didn't have too many problems. It was my decision to play there. I'm obviously aware of what Warren has said and know that I won't get in the Leinster scene because there are so many good second rows.

"The hardest part is the lineout when you have to try and fiddle around, moving backwards and forwards to get the jump in. But yeah, I enjoyed it."