Leinster rugby team turn their European ambitions to the Amlin Challenge Cup

Leinster loses reign as Heineken Cup champs

Larger Text

Print

E-mail

Make a comment

Leinster starts to focus on May's Amlin Challenge Cup

Photo by Google Images

Tweet

Leinster have to turn their European ambitions to the Amlin Challenge Cup after their reign as Heineken Cup champions ended despite Saturday’s bonus point win away to Exeter.

Joe Schmidt’s side will now play Wasps in the Amlin quarterfinals, with the coach confident that star out-half Jonathon Sexton will turn down a contract offer from French side Racing Metro and stay with the Blues.

Speaking after the Exeter win, Schmidt said, “It would be great for Jonny if it got sorted out in the next week. I just don’t think he needs it heading into the Six Nations.

“I really hope that one way or the other -- one way, to be honest -- it is sorted. Hopefully it’ll play out in the next week or so.

“It’s an IRFU issue and I’ve got to say they’re doing their darnedest to wind it up. We’d love to hold on to him and Ireland would love him to stay in the country as well but I also know Jonny’s in demand.”

Print

E-mail

Tweet