Sean Cronin says missing out on Ireland squad last November helped him rediscover Leinster form
The Limerick man featured regularly off the bench during Ireland’s recent journey to a Grand Slam
Sean Cronin believes being omitted from the Ireland squad last November has helped him to rediscover his best form in a Leinster jersey.
Since missing out on that successful Guinness Series, Cronin has been a big-game player in the Blues’ march to next Saturday’s Champions Cup decider against Racing 92 in Bilbao.
The Limerick man also featured regularly off the bench during Ireland’s recent journey to a Grand Slam title, leaving his early season woes well and truly in the past.
“At the start of the season I wasn’t playing well. I was coming back from injury, I wasn’t fit. I got left out of Joe Schmidt’s (above) November squad, which I think in hindsight now was really good for me,” Cronin explained.
“It was probably the kick up the arse I needed at the time to refocus and it gave me a chance to play here [Leinster]. You have those ups and downs. I think I’m probably on a bit of an up now, which is good.”
When Leinster were last crowned European champions in 2012, Cronin’s late try completed a 42-14 rout over Ulster.
While his exploits in this game evoke fond memories, he acknowledges that year’s semi-final with Bordeaux is a much better reference point for Saturday’s game.
“I’ve actually watched that game on YouTube a couple of times. That’s a pretty good reference point to go to for the intensity we’re going to have in Bilbao.
“We don’t know what kind of crowd, but we’re hoping Leinster will have a huge following going there. It [Bordeaux] was a great atmosphere to play in. It was hugely satisfying to go over there and put in a display like that and get to another final.”
As he turns 32 today, Cronin has become one of the elder statesmen within the Leinster squad.
He said: “I looked to have more consistency in general so I could bring the whole package together. In terms of that, I think I’m probably performing to the best of my career in terms of my scrummaging.”