Costello enjoys his new lease of life

Victor Costello is in rude good health, enjoying his rugby and no longer driven by the expectations of others. He is also in danger of reinventing himself and squeezing his way out of the pigeonhole in which Irish rugby has placed him for most of his career.

Leinster's impressive Celtic League campaign and superb opening to the Heineken European Cup last weekend when they beat Toulouse has been backboned by a strong squad playing well, but even despite the high level of the collective performance, Costello has stood out and not just for the bump and grind from the back of the scrum.

He attributes his general well being to Leinster coach Matt Williams and perhaps maturity, the latter helping him to appreciate the game all the more.

"He's (Williams) been outstanding in terms of the team and on an individual basis. He has given everyone goals. His attention to detail is so good that he can identify in each player what they need to improve on and more importantly work with that player on a one to one basis.

"He challenges you to improve and doesn't accept stereotypes. For example everyone knew that I could do this and that. Now I'm turning up in different areas of the pitch and being put away by the likes of Nathan Spooner. "In terms of the bigger picture, lads like myself and Reggie (Corrigan) who are both 30, are enjoying ourselves so much, last year and this year in Leinster. Our day job is now so important to us and we realise how privileged we are to be involved given what can be the fickle nature of a sportman's career.

"We are enjoying it so much that it is like a new lease of life. We have our sights set on winning something with Leinster, if not a lot of things this year. If with that we got into an Irish squad or whatever that would be a bonus: but that's out of our hands.

"I still aspire to play for Ireland but I wouldn't go to matches. I'd wait until my career is finished. It'd be too hard to stand there and watch."

Costello is resigned to living vicariously through mates like Brian O'Driscoll, Denis Hickie and Shane Horgan. "You're pleased when things go well for them."

His ambitions? "I still think there is more to offer. I want to be the best I can. I find now that I'm 30, I have missed out a bit on normality. A lot of my friends are married and have kids, christenings, weddings and all that."

Costello pauses at this juncture to emphasise that he doesn't want to stand outside Donnybrook church catching bouquets, nor is he hankering to settle down this minute.

"Sometimes you lose touch with friends because you are no longer on the social scene. It is hardly surprising that when you put a lot into it, you are looking to get a lot out. I'm looking to be the best I can and whether that means another Ireland cap or a Heineken Cup medal then so be it. I want to look back and know that I tried my best and was as good as I could possible be.

"When you get older you come to realise how important it is to enjoy your rugby for the moment. We have great craic and camaraderie within this squad but if you think about it some of these guys won't be here next season. That focuses your mind on not wishing your days away.

"I think I have something to contribute to any team I play for, be it Ireland, Leinster or St Mary's. I suppose I have been reinvented slightly. Mattie (Williams) takes a positive and develops it rather than saying 'oh you can't do that.' He improves the things you can't do and develops the part you can do."

Costello is still a case of "work in progress."