Johnny Sexton remains conspicuous by his absence from Leinster's squad but they have coped admirably as they adapt to life without him on the pitch.
The legendary out-half - who retired following the 2023 Rugby World Cup - built an incredible legacy at Leinster, winning Champions Cups and URC titles in abundance during his spell.
However, Leo Cullen's side has coped without him and have Saturday's Champions Cup final clash against Toulouse to look forward to.
Their quarter-final demolition of La Rochelle, who had ended Leinster's European bid the previous three seasons, was a particular statement with Ross Byrne excelling alongside the Jamison Gibson-Park on that occasion.
Meanwhile, they are well placed in the URC as they hunt top spot going into the final round of the league phase next week.
Even still, one suspects that they could do with the wisdom of a leader like Sexton behind the scenes and it appears they may still have it.
Johnny Sexton still playing key role with Leinster
Sexton's fellow Leinster legend Brian O'Driscoll has claimed as much, revealing to Planet Rugby that players are regularly in touch with their former captain.
20 May 2023; Jonathan Sexton of Leinster after the Heineken Champions Cup Final match between Leinster and La Rochelle at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
It appears that Sexton is still there to offer valuable advice to his ex-teammates in their bid to end a near four-year trophy drought.
Lads are still calling him right, left and centre for advice, for intel, for 'what do you think here?'” said O’Driscoll.
“It’s almost like he’s gone into a non-playing mentor role within the environment.
"It’s understandable that they still lean to him. He was their captain. And Johnny’s very accessible, very generous with his time and willing to impart any knowledge he has for the sake of Ireland or Leinster."
Even away from the field Sexton is a real asset for Leinster to have. Few players can read a game as it happens better than the 2018 World Player of the Year.
The spotlight is sure to be on out-half Byrne - who was Sexton's understudy - as he aims to emulate his former captain and steer his side to a European title.
Leinster's rivals Toulouse will have plenty of creativity in their locker with France's first-choice half-back pairing Romain Ntamack and Antoine Dupont set to tog out.
It looks set to be a thrilling meeting rergardless of the outcome.
