The story of Diarmait Mac Murchada will be familiar to most, and may help you to process Leinster's latest loss at the business end of the Champions Cup. Diarmait lost power as a ruler in Leinster, and thus went to seek allies from abroad to help reclaim his throne (similar to how Leinster has enlisted the help of foreign imports such as RG Snyman, Jordi Barrett et al.). Whilst enjoying initial success, Diaramit was later buried by the citizens of Dublin with the carcass of a dog, considered to be a huge insult (according to Wikipedia (the entire burial, not just the dog carcass being insulting part)) and is remembered in history as a traitor.
It's a cautionary tale that reminds us of the dangers of overreaching, perhaps of getting above our station, and how the easy route may not lead to glories that we imagine. Since winning their last title in 2018, Leinster have possibly been guilty of appearing as an overly-arrogant team that expects to be right there when titles are handed out, which, among other issues, irks fans of rugby at home and abroad. Unfortunately, nothing is given for free, as they have been reminded by the likes of Saracens, La Rochelle, Toulouse, and now Northampton.
Will this recent loss lead to a long summer spent naval gazing for most of these players? Possibly, especially as most of them will not be making the Lions squad when it is announced this Thursday.