Leinster coach, Matt Williams, has expressed his pleasure at keeping his squad intact despite a series of approaches from French and English clubs. Williams revealed that a number of the province's star players, including Lions hero, Brian O'Driscoll, had been targeted by big-spending European clubs. However, the Leinster boss said that his big-name players had committed to the cause for another season.
"It shows that there is a great spirit in the squad," said a delighted Williams. He cited Brian O'Driscoll, Denis Hickie, Shane Horgan and Gordon D'arcy as key members of an impressive backline. "We have maintained the players we wanted to maintain," he said.
The players were targeted by French and English clubs, after good performances in Europe exposed the province's talented backs to scouts from high-profile clubs. However, Williams said that he was finally building the right squad. "When I arrived two seasons ago it was not my squad. Now I'm building the squad I want," he said.
This includes several significant additions, this summer, including a number of players with impressive international pedigrees. Nathan Spooner is probably the most high-profile signing. The 25-year-old out-half has two caps for the Wallabies and appeared regularly for the Queensland Reds in this year's Super 12.
Adam Magro, a centre, has also been a member of the Australia squad. Signed from the New South Wales Waratahs, he previously spent five years playing for the ACT Brumbies. Williams also picked up Irish-qualified Ben Willis from Auckland and flanker Keith Gleeson from the Waratahs, along with Irish international tight-head prop, Paul Wallace.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
