THIRD DEGREE FOR BEIRNE..

Tadhg: Tough questions were being asked about me in Australia so I had to answer

- BY DEREK FOLEY

TADHG BEIRNE returned home from Australia with the Lions Player of the Series award.

But the Munster player has revealed it wasn't all plain sailing despite winning the first Test.

Rather, the back row star had been challenged by Andy Farrell (inset) to vindicate his selection.

“Yeah, for sure. At a point on the tour I was under a bit of pressure in terms of selection and my performances needed to improve.

“So I concentrated on different things in the game and it worked to my benefit and I've continued doing that since.

“I think the main thing is that we've won the series.

“You'd give up any personal awards to ensure that your team is winning, for sure.