While Felix Jones saw a lot of limelight, as an integral part of South Africa's World Cup winning team, a lesser known Leinster analyst went about his business with a resurgent Manu Samoa squad.
Brian Colclough, the Senior Analyst with Leinster Rugby, found himself on a 'once-in-a-lifetime' journey this summer/autumn, helped by his super pedigree with one of the world's best club teams, and their fortunate Samoan connection.
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Leinster's Samoan Connection Comes In Clutch For Young Coach
Leinster tight head Michael Ala'alatoa was co-captain with Samoa during the World Cup, while assistant coach Andrew Goodman was also working with them.
In an exclusive with Leinster Rugby, Colclough tells the story of how this connect lead him to rugby's biggest stage.
And so kind of it started with just a quick connect really. And the head coach of Samoa, Seilala Mapusua, came in. And when he was touring Europe to kind of catch up with the players and coaches, I kind of just dropped that I'd be interested.
I think it's every player's dream to play in the World Cup, but for staff and management, it's always cool to test yourself at the highest level or international level.
So then I just got put in touch with the head analyst of the team who's Alistair Beeton, who works with the Chiefs in New Zealand as well. So once that connect was made it was just kind of a cyclical effect, and I found myself in a World Cup.
Colclough also spoke about facing Ireland in their World Cup warm-up game, and the experience of competing against many of his colleagues at Leinster.
His most unique experience - for an Irishman - however, was his time in Samoa prior to the tournament, where he got to know the locals, and received an unforgettable send-off.
"It was very different, very different," he continued.
"But I'm so glad that I got the opportunity, and I'm grateful to Leinster for giving me the opportunity to go to Samoa itself. It was really a once in a lifetime opportunity and experience, and the people there were unbelievably friendly and overwhelming in how much they welcome you, and the send off we received before we left for the World Cup was something I'll never forget.
25 August 2023; Performance analyst Brian Colclough and assistant coach Andrew Goodman during a Samoa rugby captain's run at Parc des Sports Jean Dauger in Bayonne, France. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
"So yeah, I say it was about maybe 10k from where we left to the airport," he added while describing the team's send-off from Samoa.
"And it was sort of just a wagon of 10 cars, buses, and open tops and the lads. All the players on the back of the trucks with the flags and the music.
"And for the start of it going through the initial sort of city area...... there was people kind of beeping horns and all that kind of stuff and music blaring.
"And then once we got out towards the villages, all the school kids were coming out and jumping on the bus .... dancing and singing. But it was quite cool."
It is safe to assume that return to life in Ireland was quite the comedown, but Colclough seems content to be back playing AIL rugby for Blackrock, and helping Leinster in what will surely be another memorable season.
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