Garry Ringrose admits last season’s devastating Investec Champions Cup semi-final collapse still lingers inside the Leinster camp.
A year ago, Leinster were stunned 37-34 by Northampton Saints in Dublin in one of the most painful defeats of the province’s recent history.
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But Ringrose says the Irish giants are using that pain as fuel ahead of Saturday’s showdown with Toulon.
“We were in this position a year ago and after the result of that game, you would have bitten your arm off to be in this position again and get another crack at a semi-final,” Ringrose said.
“Obviously lots has happened in the interim.
“So yeah, excited, motivated.”
Leinster’s repeated failures in the latter stages of Europe’s premier club competition have placed enormous pressure on the squad, especially with the province still chasing a first Champions Cup title since 2018.
Ringrose admitted those painful defeats have left scars within the group.
“There’s always lessons and learnings you try to pick up, and scars you have,” he said.
“Hopefully you’re better when the next opportunity comes.”
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The Ireland centre believes Leinster’s challenge against Toulon will be as much mental as physical, particularly with memories of previous European collapses hanging over the squad.
But rather than fear another setback, Ringrose says the players are focused on the magnitude of the opportunity in front of them.
“You focus on the possibility and the opportunity that’s in front of us,” he said.
Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
The post Ringrose: Leinster driven by heartbreak appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Garry Ringrose admits last season’s devastating Investec Champions Cup semi-final collapse still lingers inside the Leinster camp.
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