Michael Cheika has described Heineken Cup hero Johnny Sexton as the epitome of everything he is trying to achieve at Leinster.

Fly-half Sexton, 23, showed maturity beyond his years to boot 11 points on Saturday as Cheika's side became European champions for the first time by beating Leicester 19-16 at Murrayfield.

"He's almost the first generation coming out of the academy since I got here," said head coach Cheika, who took charge in 2005. "I suppose it epitomises the club a little bit, the way that fellow's come through. He's going to have down days again after this and it's just a matter of him understanding what it takes to be a better player every time."

Those sentiments were echoed by captain Leo Cullen, who added: "I think he shows real maturity. He puts a lot of work into his game and he's hungry for it.

"He's had to bide his time maybe a little bit longer that he would have liked.

"Any time he's come into the fold, his level of commitment and his will to win for the team is second to none.

"He really bosses a team and that's what you want in a 10."