He was in a bullish mood!
Leinster exorcised a few of their demons with Saturday’s URC final win over the Bulls at Croke Park; their first title since the 2021 Pro14.
After years of underperforming in the biggest games and numerous near misses in the Champions Cup, the team have come in for a significant amount of criticism.
Given Leinster’s population and financial advantages, many sport fans believe they are fair game, with some of the comments teetering into abuse territory.
However, head coach Leo Cullen could finally talk with some pride and bullishness, welcoming the ‘abuse’ that they receive.
He said: “The guys are delighted there in the dressing room. It’s just enjoying the occasion now.
“I’m talking to some of the Bulls guys there at the end and they just watched the trophy lift, that’s what I tried to get across yesterday [about the feeling of losing].
“They are the two best teams in the competition, we’ve lost in different ways, at the death, after extra time, you’ve just got to keep putting ourselves in that position and keep pushing the boundaries of what we do, you get criticism when you lose, it still doesn’t take away what – personally speaking – I love doing.
“Pressure is great, it’s part and parcel of sport. It’s a great way to feel alive, we’re lucky to be involved in it.
“Keep the abuse coming, we don’t mind. Thick skins.”
