Heineken Cup

Leinster wing Shane Horgan has blamed the Australian Rugby Union for forcing Rocky Elsom to leave the Irish Province in order to continue his international career.

Horgans has worked alongside Elsom this season as Leinster marched towards their maiden Heineken Cup success and says that he was obviously disappointed to see the powerful flank forward leave the club after such a successful season.

"I respect Rocky's decision. It was unfortunate the position that he was put in," Horgan explained to Setanta Sports. 

"Everybody wants to play test rugby and should be given the opportunity to do so but his hands were tied by the ARU.

"There needs to be some sort of accommodation, especially for a player of his talents. I know he was very keen to spend another year at Leinster."

Elsom was voted man-of-the-match in the Heineken Cup final following a dominating performance and, along with Brian O'Driscoll, was seen as a key factor behind the great results achieved by Michael Cheika's men.