Best motivated by defeat

Ulster captain Rory Best says his side should use the pain of their Heineken Cup final defeat to spur them on to better things.

The Belfast side went down 42-14 to Leinster at Twickenham on Saturday in one of the most open and exciting finals of recent years. Ulster were seen as massive underdogs at the start of the tournament, but have impressed with victories over the likes of Leicester and Clermont Auvergne and, after a number of years in the doldrums, now look set to once again compete at the top level of European rugby. Best admits that Saturday's defeat was 'heartbreaking' but believes he and his team-mates should use the pain to spur them on to glory next season. "It was heartbreaking watching Leinster lift the trophy, but that is what you learn from," said Best. "You have to watch that and that has to drive you for next year. "Defeats like this and watching Leinster lift the trophy has to be in our minds now for the next 12 months."