'He'll get even better' - Robin McBryde hails Jason Jenkins' impact at Leinster

Robin McBryde says Jason Jenkins is quickly becoming a key player for Leinster following his impressive start to the season.

The 26-year-old has produced three stand-out displays since joining Leinster in the summer, bagging a try on debut against Zebre and playing a key role in the province's marked improvement at the set-piece.

Having suffered an injury-ravaged 12 months at Munster, Jenkins has appeared keen to make up for lost time and McBryde said the powerful lock has brought a different mentality to the squad.

The Leinster assistant coach said: "He enjoys scrummaging, he enjoys hitting things, that's evident in his play. All the South Africans do. They bring a level of physicality to the game, very power-based, running hard around the corner.

"In fairness to Jason, it's very hard when you're not playing regularly to build up your confidence, and he's probably been unlucky with injuries over the years. Fortunately he's kept a clean bill of health since joining us. I know the medical team worked with him initially.

"He's going to get better and better. The more minutes he gets under his belt, I think he's going to keep on growing.

"He's definitely struck a partnership with Michael Ala'alatoa in front of him in the scrum, he's putting himself about a bit around the park as well, which is great."

Leinster made it three wins from three in the BKT United Rugby Championship last Friday when they avenged last season's back-to-back losses to Ulster.

The visitors’ scrum and lineout again impressed during the 20-13 victory in Belfast, with Dan Sheehan producing another man-of-the-match performance.

Ulster 3-14 Leinster 22' Leinster turn to the rolling maul and hooker Dan Sheehan powers over for the 21st try for the province. Byrne