Brian O'Driscoll paid a special tribute to the unsung heroes of Leinster rugby's record breaking Heineken Cup Final victory over Ulster Rugby at Twickenham Stadium.
The Irish captain missed the Pool stages because of injury, but returned for the knock-out phase to help his side make it three wins in four seasons. But after picking up his third winners' medal he picked out fellow centre Eoin O'Malley, who missed the game after undergoing knee surgery.
"When we won the Heineken Cup for the first time we talked about laying down a legacy and doing something for us to be remembered by. We are going some way to doing that and moving in the right direction, but I know this team is hungry for more success," said O'Driscoll.
"It is enjoyable day in day out going into work because you know you are going to be pushed by the guy next to you. We play for each other and that showed out there.
"The energy from all 23 was phenomenal. There were two try scorers among the guys who came on and that speaks volumes for where we are at as a squad.
"I only came in for the knock-out stages, for the important parts, but the hard graft was done in the Pool stages by people like Eoin O'Malley, who is sitting at home having had a cruciate ligament operation yesterday. This medal will be part his and all the other guys who have played this season."
Heineken Man of the Match Sean O'Brien was also full of praise for the effect of "pulling on the blue jersey" and praised the efforts of everyone throughout the season.
"It is such a strong squad and any team we have put out has done well this year. We never panic, we trust our system and we did that at times," said O'Brien.
"There were lots of mistakes out there, but we held onto the trophy which is the main thing."
