Leinster began their Champions Cup campaign with a 35-12 win away to the Bristol Bears last weekend and are huge favourites to beat Clermont in Dublin on matchday two.

It’s funny how things work out sometimes. There was plenty of blowback from predictable sources when Leinster secured the short-term signing of Jordie Barrett earlier this season. Whatever about the supposed economic and demographic advantages the province enjoys,

JORDIE BARRETT’S PLACE in Leo Cullen’s Leinster team is proving to be one of the most fascinating aspects of the province’s latest Champions Cup charge. Last weekend the All Black come off the bench in Bristol to make an impactful debut.

Let’s start with the borrowed. Jordie Barrett, on a short-term contract until the end of the season, enjoys a first start having made his debut for the province in last Sundays