Max Deegan knows that many people have an opinion on where he should be playing his rugby, but he doesn’t much care about what they have to say.
The twice-capped Ireland international believes that Leinster remains the best place for him to achieve his goals as a rugby player. He’s had offers to move and given them due consideration, but when it came to the crunch he’s opted to stay put.
He might get more quality game-time elsewhere, but his home province offers him a route to winning trophies and, if he can get game-time, getting into the Ireland squad.
He is in arguably the most competitive position in any club in the world, but he backs himself and believes that he can force his way into the team for the biggest games this season by performing when opportunities come his way.
“I had interest from other clubs, as most people do,” he explained.
“I just thought that I’d go at it again with Leinster, I’d more to give, I felt like I really enjoyed playing in the squad, it’s a really high-achieving squad and I didn’t feel like I was that far away from being in those Champions Cup squads.
“I still think I’m knocking on the door and I’m sure if I get an opportunity I’ll step up and perform really well.
“Obviously, there are small thoughts — you are thinking about it. But I just want to back myself you know, not necessarily one last time but just give my all in this two-year block now.”
Deegan and Leinster got off to a good start away to Edinburgh last Friday night, producing an excellent second-half display to power home to a bonus-point win in the season opener.
Doing the same against the Dragons on Friday night would be another step forward.