DAN LEAVY ISN’T short on confidence, even if he’s short on game time this season.
“I think in some people, it potentially does erode confidence but I don’t really have much of an issue with it,” he says.
Leavy has played just 240 minutes of rugby this term — including just two starts — as he’s battled with ankle and hamstring problems which have severely disrupted his chances of putting a run of games together.
His frustrations were amplified last week when he was unable to prove his fitness to Leo Cullen in time for Leinster’s Champions Cup trip to Exeter.
“It’s frustrating, yeah,” the flanker continues.
“It’s never nice being injured, especially when there are big games going on. But my body feels really good now so hopefully I don’t get injured from now until the end of the season.
“Compound injuries are pretty frustrating. I just got back from an ankle operation and was back in Irish camp, feeling really good and then I just had small, little hammy tweak which put me out for a few weeks. That was pretty frustrating but I feel confident and ready to play if need be.”
Rhys Ruddock’s potentially season-ending hamstring injury, sustained at Sandy Park, has opened the door for Leavy. One man’s misfortune, is another man’s gain.
“I said it last year, the key to it is just keeping fit and making sure that you are available to play every game. I back myself that if I am fit, I will be able to perform.”
So you should be back in the picture for Saturday’s rematch at the Aviva?
“Yeah, hopefully. I don’t pick the team but I’m back training this week. I’d love to play a few minutes; whether that’s with the As or with the seniors.”
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