Munster Rugby

Munster Rugby
Nickname(s) The Red Army
Founded 1879 (1879)
Location Limerick and Cork, Ireland
Ground(s) Thomond Park (Capacity: 25,600)
Irish Independent Park (Capacity: 9,251)
Chairman Garrett Fitzgerald
Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus
Coach(es) Anthony Foley
Captain(s) Peter O'Mahony
Most caps Donncha O'Callaghan (268)
Top scorer Ronan O'Gara (2,625)
Most tries Simon Zebo (45)
League(s) Pro12
2014–15 2nd (Runners-up)
1st kit
2nd kit
Official website
www.munsterrugby.ie
Current season

Munster Rugby (Irish: Rugbaí Mumhan) is one of the four professional provincial rugby teams from the island of Ireland. They compete in the Pro12 and the European Rugby Champions Cup. The team represents the IRFU Munster Branch, which is one of four primary branches of the IRFU, and is responsible for rugby union throughout the geographical Irish province of Munster.[1] Their main home ground is Thomond Park, Limerick, though some smaller profile games are played at Musgrave Park, Cork. The Munster Rugby logo consists of three crowns and a stag. The team motto is "To the brave and faithful, nothing is impossible"; it is derived from the motto of the MacCarthy clan – "Forti et Fideli nihil difficile".

History

Foundation and early years

Munster was officially founded in 1879, at the same time as Leinster and Ulster, with Connacht being founded ten years later in 1889. The first Interprovincial matches between Leinster, Ulster and Munster, however, were held in 1875. The founding of the Munster branch of the IRFU was intended to organise and oversee the game within the province, and prevent any club bias by providing neutral selectors for the representative side. In amateur days, the four Irish provinces played against each other in the Irish Interprovincial Championship and also played touring international sides. Leinster, as now, were the most accomplished side.

Munster traditionally drew its strength from the clubs of Limerick, with the game popular in the city and widely played at all levels. Teams such as Shannon, Garryowen and Young Munster built up fierce rivalries with one another, helping push standards in the province higher as a result.[2][3]

Games against touring sides

Munster has a great tradition of competitiveness and impassioned displays against touring sides. The first touring side to play Munster were the famous Original All Blacks led by Dave Gallagher, who lined out against Munster in the Markets Field, Limerick in November 1905. Munster were defeated that day 33–0. Throughout the years, Munster were to record a number of near-misses and last minute defeats against South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The first tangible result against a touring side was to come in 1958, when the Wallabies were held to a 3–3 draw in Thomond Park. Munster became the first Irish provincial side to defeat a major touring team when they defeated Australia 11–8 in Musgrave Park, Cork on 25 January 1967. Munster were captained that day by Tom Kiernan.

Against the All Blacks

Munster first played the All Blacks in 1905, losing 33–0 on the occasion. They have played each other many times since then. Munster drew with New Zealand 3–3 in 1973 and, in 1978, became the only Irish side to have beaten the All Blacks. The 12–0 victory occurred on Tuesday 31 October 1978 at Thomond Park, in front of a crowd of 12,000, though many times that number still claim to have been present, such was the occasion.[4] Christy Cantillon scored a try with Tony Ward converting. Ward also added a drop-goal in each half. The game remains the only time an All Blacks team lost to any Irish side and now forms part of Munster Rugby mythology. A stage play named Alone it Stands (by John Breen) and a book entitled Stand Up and Fight: When Munster Beat the All Blacks by Alan English were both based on the event. Both have been commercially successful. Alone it Stands has had several sell-out runs in Ireland and abroad. Stand Up and Fight was a bestseller in 2005.[5]

The All Blacks returned to Thomond Park in November 2008 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 1978 match and to celebrate the opening of the new stadium. After 76 minutes of the match, Munster were winning 16–13, but a late try from Joe Rokocoko meant the All Blacks won 18–16.[6]

Against Australia

Like the All Blacks, Munster have played Australia many times. They first met in 1947, where Australia won 6–5. Munster claimed their first victory over the Wallabies in 1967, when they won 11–8. In 1992, Australia, reigning world champions, having won the 1991 Rugby World Cup, visited Munster as part of a European Tour. Munster won 22–19 in a rough encounter in Cork. Ten years later, London newspaper The Daily Telegraph recounted part of the legend in a feature on Munster prop Peter Clohessy: "The then Wallabies coach, Bob Dwyer, who was not a man who readily accepted that opposition sides could legitimately score more points than his team, immediately branded the Munster Number 3 a 'disgrace'. It had been a typically rugged, robust and memorable Munster triumph, with leather and fists flying on both sides. Clohessy, who wouldn't generally be known for misconduct, was no more guilty than the next man but world champions are not supposed to lose against a hastily assembled Irish provincial XV. There had to be a reason, an excuse, and Dwyer rounded on Clohessy".

History repeated itself in 2010 when Munster defeated the Wallabies 15–6, with their Australian fly-half, Paul Warwick, kicking all fifteen points (three penalties and 2 drop goals). The match was played in ferocious weather, with Munster playing into a gale-force wind and driving rain in the first half. Indeed, the conditions made the half time score of 6–6 all the more significant, as Australia could neither cope with the weather nor the Munster pressure in the second half.[7]

Professional era

On 26 August 1995, the International Rugby Board declared rugby union an "open" game, removing all restrictions on payments or benefits to those connected with the game. This was done due to a committee conclusion having an open game was the only way to end the hypocrisy of shamateurism, and keep control of the sport. The threat to amateur rugby union mostly prevalent in the Southern hemisphere, particularly in Australia where Super League was threatening to entice players to rugby league with large salaries.[8] In Ireland, the four provincial teams were the only teams to go professional, while their smaller constituent clubs remained amateur.

The 1995–96 season saw the first ever Heineken Cup, a new tournament set up for European clubs. The Irish were allocated three places in the competition, with these places going to Leinster, Munster and Ulster. The team failed to advance beyond the pool stages however. Munster finally reached the Heineken Cup quarter-finals in 1998–99 Heineken Cup, after three years of not being able to get out of the group stages.

European success (1999–2008)

Munster's first appearance in the Heineken Cup's final was in the 1999–2000 Heineken Cup, where they lost by one point to Northampton at Twickenham. Nevertheless, the season was most memorable with a 25–31 win over Toulouse in Bordeaux.

Their good form and bad luck continued in the following season, 2000–01, with a semi-final defeat to Stade Français, again by one point, where a try from John O'Neill was disallowed by the referee, as he deemed the ball to be out over the dead-ball line. In the 2001–02 Heineken Cup, Munster lost the last match of their pool at Castres, but qualified as best runners-up. Munster beat Stade Français 16–14 in Paris, the only try of the game coming from Anthony Horgan. It was then on to Béziers to meet Castres again for the semi-final. Munster were triumphant and went to the final at Millennium Stadium to meet the reigning champions, Leicester. Munster lost a tight game remembered as 'the hand of Back' final, as the Leicester flanker used his hand illegally in a scrum when Munster had a last-chance attack. Munster also reached the final of the Celtic League in this season, but lost 24–20 to Leinster at Lansdowne Road, Dublin.

In 2002–03, Munster reached the quarter-finals after a win against Gloucester, later issued on VHS under the title "The Miracle Match". In this game, Munster needed to win by a margin of at least 27 points and score a minimum of four tries to earn a quarter-final berth. They won 33–6 with four tries in a game that has become part of Munster Rugby folklore. They again faced Leicester, this time at the Tigers' home of Welford Road, and defeated the reigning champions to progress to the semi-finals. They faced Toulouse in the semi-finals and lost out on a place in the final, after losing by a single point in France. In this season, Munster won the Celtic League for the first time, by beating Neath Swansea Ospreys 37–17 at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.

In 2003–04 it was more of the same. After an assured performance in the Pool stage, Munster defeated Stade Français at Thomond Park to set up a semi-final date with English champions, London Wasps. This match has gone down as one of the best Heineken Cup matches of all time. Although leading by 10 points in the second half, and having lost Ronan O'Gara to injury early on, they succumbed to 2 Wasps tries in injury time, resulting in a Wasps v Toulouse final. Munster finished in a disappointing seventh position in the 2003–04 season of the Celtic League.

In 2004–05, after a shaky performance in the Pool stage, Munster qualified as 5th seeds and played Biarritz away. The match was played at Real Sociedad's ground, the Anoeta Stadium, in San Sebastián, Spain – the first Heineken Cup game ever played in Spain. Biarritz won 19–10 to avenge a 38–29 defeat at the same stage in 2001. Munster finished second in the 2004–05 Celtic League season.

Inside the Millennium Stadium for the 2006 final where over 65,000 Munster fans were present

In 2005–06, Munster qualified to the final of the Heineken Cup, having overcome rivals Leinster 30–6 in the semi-final at Lansdowne Road. The final was held at the Millennium Stadium against Biarritz. Munster won 23–19 to become European Champions for the first time. Munster finished one place lower than the previous season in the Celtic League, finishing third overall.

The 2006–07 Heineken Cup was a disappointing tournament for Munster, as they lost their previously unbeaten European record at Thomond Park, losing to Leicester Tigers in the group stages. They later lost their quarter-final to Llanelli Scarlets. Munster's performance in the Celtic League was equally disappointing, finishing sixth overall.

2008–2014

In 2008, Munster signed Doug Howlett, the all-time leading try scorer for New Zealand. That season's Heineken Cup saw Munster finish top in their group, and they went on to reach the final for the second time in three years beating Saracens in the semi final. The final, again held at the Millennium Stadium, saw Munster defeat Toulouse 16–13 to claim their second Heineken Cup title in 3 years. Munster finished third in the Celtic League in the 2007–08 season. In May 2008, Director of Coaching Declan Kidney left to take up the head coach job with Ireland. Munster ensured continuity by promoting Australian Tony McGahan to the position from within the coaching setup.

In the 2008–09 Heineken Cup, Munster once again topped their group and reached the semi-final, but lost to arch-rivals Leinster 25–6, a match attended by a then world record crowd of over 82,200. On 30 April 2009, Munster clinched the Celtic League for the second time in their history, after their closest challengers Ospreys beat Newport Gwent Dragons but failed to claim a bonus point. This handed the title to Munster who could not be overtaken at the top of the table.[9]

The 2009–10 season saw Munster finish top of their Heineken Cup pool once again. Victories over Northampton Saints, French Top 14 champions USA Perpignan and Italian side Benetton Rugby Treviso saw Munster qualify for the Heineken Cup Quarter Finals for a record 12th consecutive year. The match took place at Thomond Park, where Munster played Northampton Saints for the third time that season and won 33–19. They lost 18–7 in the semi-finals against Biarritz at the Anoeta. Munster came 4th in the Celtic League, but because this season saw the introduction of a play off system for the top four teams, Munster met and lost 16–6 to Leinster in the play-off semi final.

The 2010–11 season saw Munster drawn in Pool 3 of the Heineken Cup alongside Ospreys, London Irish and RC Toulon. Munster lost 23–17 away to London Irish, before defeating RC Toulon 45–18 at Thomond Park. Munster defeated Ospreys 22–16, but lost the reverse fixture at Liberty Stadium 19–15. In Round 5 Munster went to Toulon, losing 32–16. As a result, Munster failed to qualify for the quarter finals of the Heineken Cup for the first time in 13 years. Munster won their final pool game, at home to London Irish, 28–14, and qualified for the Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-finals. Munster defeated Leinster 24–23 on 2 April 2011 in the Celtic League, ending a run of 5 straight defeats. Munster beat Brive 37–42 in their Amlin Challenge Cup quarter final to qualify for the semi-final against Harlequins on 30 April. Munster lost the semi-final in Thomond Park 20–12.[10] Munster finished first in the 2010–11 Celtic League. They beat Ospreys 18–11 in their semi-final to set up a Grand Final with Leinster, which Munster won 19–9, securing a third Celtic League title.[11][12]

Munster were drawn in Pool One for the 2011–12 Heineken Cup, alongside Northampton Saints, Scarlets and Castres Olympique. They beat Northampton 23–21 in the first pool game at Thomond Park, after an 83rd minute drop-goal from Ronan O'Gara.[13] In their second pool game, Munster beat Castres 24–27, with O'Gara again scoring an overtime drop-goal to secure victory.[14] Munster won their third pool game, away to Scarlets, 14–17.[15] In the return fixture a week later, Munster won 19–13.[16] A 26–10 win over Castres on 14 January 2012 ensured that Munster qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2011–12 Heineken Cup.[17] Munster ended their 2011–12 Heineken Cup Pool 1 games with a 36–51 victory against Northampton Saints, securing the top seed in the quarter-finals and winning 6 out of 6 pool matches for the first time.[18] Munster lost their quarter-final against Ulster 16–22, losing just their second match at home in the Heineken Cup.[19] Munster finished third in the 2011–12 Pro 12, and played Ospreys away in the play-off semi-finals, losing 45–10.[20] It was announced on 22 February 2012 that McGahan would be leaving Munster at the end of the 2011–12 season,[21][22][23] to take up a role of coaching co-ordinator on Australia's management team.[24] Rob Penney, coach of Canterbury and New Zealand U20, was chosen to succeed McGahan, being unveiled as the next Munster coach on 2 May 2012.[25]

Munster were again drawn in Pool One for the 2012–13 Heineken Cup, with Saracens F.C., Edinburgh Rugby and Racing Métro 92.[26] The campaign opened with a 22–17 away defeat at the hands of Racing Métro 92.[27] Munster won their second game, at home to Edinburgh, 33–0.[28] The December back-to-back games began with a home fixture against Saracens, which Munster won 15–9.[29] In the reverse fixture, Munster lost 19–13.[30] In the fifth round of pool fixtures, Munster beat Edinburgh 17–26.[31] Munster had to win their final pool game, against Racing Métro, with a try bonus-point to have a chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals. Munster won the game 29–6, scoring five tries, including a hat-trick from Simon Zebo. Leicester Tigers 9–5 victory over Toulouse ensured that Munster qualified as the second-best runner up, and they played Harlequins in the quarter-finals.[32] Munster won the quarter-final 12–18,[33] advancing to the semi-final, which they lost 16–10 to Clermont Auvergne on 27 April 2013.[34] Munster finished sixth in the 2012–13 Pro12.[35]

Munster were drawn in Pool 6 for the 2013–14 Heineken Cup, alongside USA Perpignan, Edinburgh Rugby and Gloucester Rugby.[36] Edinburgh beat Munster 29–23 in the opening pool fixture on 12 October 2013.[37] In their second pool game on 19 October 2013, Munster beat Gloucester 26–10.[38] Munster beat Perpignan 36–8 in Round 3.[39] In the Round 4 reverse fixture on 14 December 2013, Munster won 17–18 at Perpignan.[40] Munster beat Gloucester 7–20 at Kingsholm on 11 January 2014, a win that secured quarter-final qualification.[41] Munster beat Edinburgh 38–6 on 19 January 2014 in Round 6, a bonus-point win that secured a home quarter-final.[42] On 6 February 2014, it was announced that Penney and Backs coach Simon Mannix would be leaving Munster at the end of the 2013–14 season.[43] Former captain and then Forwards coach Anthony Foley was confirmed as the next Munster coach on 19 February 2014.[44] In their quarter-final, Munster beat Toulouse 47–23.[45] Munster lost 24-16 to Toulon in the semi-final on 27 April 2014.[46] Munster finished third in the 2013–14 Pro 12,[47] but lost 16–15 to Glasgow in the semi–final.[48]

Champions Cup era

Munster were drawn in Pool 1 of the 2014–15 European Rugby Champions Cup, alongside Saracens, ASM Clermont Auvergne and Sale Sharks.[49] A late drop-goal from Ian Keatley gave Munster a 26–27 away win against Sale Sharks in Round 1 on 18 October 2014.[50] Munster beats Saracens 14–3 in Round 2 on 24 October 2014.[51] ASM Clermont Auvergne beat Munster 9–16 at Thomond Park in Round 3 on 6 December 2014, becoming the first French team to beat Munster at their home stadium.[52] In the reverse fixture on 14 December 2014, Clermont beat Munster 26–19.[53] Saracens beat Munster 33–10 on 17 January 2015 in Round 5, a defeat which meant Munster failed to qualify for the knockout stages for only the second time in 17 seasons.[54] In Round 6, Munster beat Sale Sharks 65–10, a win that was their 100th in Europe.[55] Munster finished second on the 2014–15 Pro12.[56] In the play-off semi-final, Munster beat Ospreys 21–18.[57] Munster were beaten 13–31 by Glasgow Warriors in the 2015 Pro12 Grand Final on 30 May 2015.[58]

Munster were drawn in Pool 4 of the 2015–16 European Rugby Champions Cup, alongside Stade Français, Leicester Tigers and Treviso.[59] On 14 November 2015, Munster beat Treviso 32–7 in their opening pool game.[60] Munster's second pool game, against Stade Français, was postponed following the November 2015 Paris attacks. The match was scheduled to be played at the Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris.[61] Munster lost 19–31 to Leicester Tigers in Round 3 on 12 December 2015.[62] In the return fixture on 20 December 2015, Leicester beat Munster 17–6.[63] On 9 January 2016, Munster lost 27–7 to Stade Français in the re-arranged second pool game. A week later, Munster beat Stade Français 26–13.[64] In their final pool game on 24 January 2016, Munster beat Treviso 5–28.[65] In April 2016, it was confirmed that former Springbok Rassie Erasmus would be joining Munster as the Director of Rugby on a three-year contract, beginning on 1 July 2016.[66]

Current standings

Pro12

2015–16 Pro12
Team Played Won Drawn Lost Points For Points Against Points Diff Tries For Tries Against Try Bonus Losing Bonus Points
1 Scotland Glasgow Warriors (Q) 21 14 1 6 550 366 +184 67 35 8 5 71
2 Ireland Connacht (Q) 21 14 0 7 493 399 +94 58 45 8 5 69
3 Ireland Leinster 21 15 0 6 408 271 +137 43 24 5 3 68
4 Ireland Ulster 21 13 0 8 442 281 +161 55 25 7 5 64
5 Wales Scarlets 21 14 0 7 462 427 +35 45 49 2 5 63
6 Ireland Munster 21 12 0 9 428 402 +26 51 36 5 5 58
7 Wales Ospreys 21 11 1 9 464 409 +55 51 43 5 3 54
8 Scotland Edinburgh 21 11 0 10 388 345 +43 38 33 2 7 53
9 Wales Cardiff Blues 21 10 0 11 521 444 +77 59 50 5 7 52
10 Wales Newport Gwent Dragons 21 4 0 17 331 445 −114 30 52 0 10 26
11 Italy Benetton Treviso 21 3 0 18 301 564 −263 32 71 0 8 20
12 Italy Zebre 21 4 0 17 261 696 −435 30 96 2 1 19
If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[67]
  1. number of matches won;
  2. the difference between points for and points against;
  3. the number of tries scored;
  4. the most points scored;
  5. the difference between tries for and tries against;
  6. the fewest number of red cards received;
    7.
  7. the fewest number of yellow cards received.

Green background (rows 1 to 4) are play-off places, and earn a place in the 2016–17 European Rugby Champions Cup.
Blue background indicates teams outside the play-off places, that earn a place in the European Rugby Champions Cup.
To facilitate the 2015 Rugby World Cup, there will be no play-offs for the 2016–17 European Rugby Champions Cup with the 20th place going to the winner of the 2015–16 European Rugby Challenge Cup if not already qualified.
Plain background indicates teams that earn a place in the 2016–17 European Rugby Challenge Cup.

    European Rugby Champions Cup – Pool 4

    Team
    		 P W D L PF PA Diff TF TA TB LB Pts
    England Leicester Tigers (2) 6 5 0 1 185 91 +94 24 11 3 0 23
    France Stade Français (7) 6 4 0 2 186 118 +68 25 17 3 0 19
    Ireland Munster 6 3 0 3 118 100 +18 15 11 3 0 15
    Italy Benetton Treviso 6 0 0 6 53 233 –180 8 33 0 0 0

    Colours and crest

    The flag of the Province of Munster

    The 'three crowns' flag of Munster alludes to the three constituent historic kingdoms of Munster; Thomond in the north, Desmond in the south, and Ormond in the east. A revamped logo was introduced for the 2003–04 season which included the addition of a stag with the three crowns.[68] The crest was designed to maintain the three crowns and the new red stag symbolises strength and competitiveness.[68] The decision for change was a product of two-years of planning of research and design.[68] Elements of navy were also introduced into mainly red Munster jersey. The current kit consists of a red shirt with white trimming, white shorts and red socks.

    The current kit is made by Adidas, who replaced Canterbury of New Zealand in 2007 in a deal covering kit supply for three seasons. The name of Munster's title sponsors appears on their shirt. Between 2004 to 2013, Toyota was the primary sponsor, appearing on the front of their shirt. It was announced on 21 May 2013 that Bank of Ireland would be replacing Toyota as Munster's sponsor.[69]

    Home grounds

    Thomond Park

    Munster have two main stadia where they play their home matches – Thomond Park in Limerick and Irish Independent Park in Cork. Thomond Park is the bigger of the two, with a capacity of around 25,600, while Irish Independent Park holds 9,251. As well as Munster, Shannon RFC and UL Bohemian RFC play at the grounds of Thomond Park. Thomond Park is famous for its atmosphere and unique history[70] – its noise during play and complete silence when a player (home or away) is kicking at goal. It was also famous for Munster's intimidating record that it held for over a decade – having never been beaten at home during the Heineken Cup. However, the record was broken during the 2006–07 season when they were defeated by Leicester Tigers.[71] Munster train in the University of Limerick.

    Thomond Park went through a major renovation in 1999, and in 2006, Munster announced plans to upgrade it. In autumn 2008 the new 27,000 capacity stadium was opened. Two sweeping arches are one of the defining features of the stadium as well as the concourse outside of the new East Stand.[72] The new stadium design was well received and won the Public Choice Award for 2009 from the Irish Architecture Foundation.[73] A long discussion and consultation on the new name concluded with the decision that the name would remain Thomond Park.[74]

    Supporters

    Thousands of fans watch the 2006 Heineken Cup Final in Limerick

    The strength of Munster's support was demonstrated during Munster's 2006 and 2008 Heineken Cup final wins. News reports detailed the lengths that fans were willing to go to secure tickets to the game, with some Munster fans travelling to Biarritz to buy up the French allocation of tickets.[75] On the day of the game the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff was filled with a capacity crowd of 74,500. Of those numbers it is estimated that somewhere between 55,000 and 65,000 were Munster fans[76] with the remainder being neutrals and Biarritz supporters. The Millennium Stadium was intended to be a neutral venue but commentators on the day remarked that it could hardly be counted as such. In North America there is an official supporters club called Munster Rugby USA.[77]

    Munster played in the most attended semi-final match of the Heineken Cup. 82,208 spectators attended their 2008–09 Heineken Cup semi-final against Irish rivals Leinster, which was played in Croke Park, Dublin. This was also, at the time, the largest crowd ever at a club rugby union match. The record was broken in a league game between English sides Saracens and Harlequins in 2012.[78]

    Munster's appearance in the 2002 final of the Heineken Cup against Leicester Tigers at the Millennium Stadium, which drew 74,600, was the record attendance for a final in the competition[79] until the 2007 Heineken Cup final between Leicester and London Wasps at the newly expanded Twickenham. Munster's 2005 quarter-final against Biarritz Olympique in Estadio Anoeta, played across the border in Spain in San Sebastián set the record for the biggest rugby match ever played in Spain with an attendance of 32,000.[80] Their October 2006 Celtic League game against Leinster at Lansdowne Road beat the record for that competition with an attendance of 27,252.[81] This record lasted just two months however with the Leinster and Ulster match on 31 December 2006 filling Lansdowne Road (over 48,000 in attendance) for the last match at the stadium before redevelopment.[82]

    On 2 October 2010, Munster played Leinster in the Round 5 of the Celtic League at the Aviva Stadium, this set a new crowd attendance record for a Celtic League game at 50,645.[83]

    Munster fans are known for their silence when a kick is being taken, but also for their noise. Fans repeatedly chant "MUNSTER" or sing "The Fields of Athenry" (an Irish famine song from Galway, Connacht) and "Stand Up and Fight" (from the Broadway musical Carmen Jones.) They sang The Black Velvet Band to the Ospreys' Irish winger Tommy Bowe during their 2009 Heineken Cup quarter final encounter.[84] Tommy Bowe sang this song at the official reception for the 2009 Grand Slam winning Ireland rugby team.

    Munster Rugby has given the word "Garryowen" to the rugby lexicon. Famously, the Limerick club of Garryowen introduced the "Garryowen kick", a high up and under which puts defending players under pressure.

    Munster A

    Munster A is the team that represents Munster in the British & Irish Cup and in the All-Ireland Inter-Provincial Championship.[85] Pre-professionalism and a formal Celtic league structure, the main Munster team competed in the AIPC. Since the advent of professionalism the provinces have fielded lesser teams in order to concentrate on the Celtic League. The team is composed of Senior Munster squad players requiring gametime, Academy players and AIL players called up from their club.[86]

    Having been beaten finalists in the 2009–10 British and Irish Cup, losing 23–14 to Cornish Pirates,[87] Munster A secured success in the British and Irish Cup on 27 April 2012, beating Cross Keys 31–12 in the final of the 2011–12 tournament at Irish Independent Park.[88]

    Honours

    Munster

    Munster A

    Season records

    Celtic League/Pro12

    Season Pos Played Won Drawn Lost Bonus Points
    2001–02 1st (Pool B) 6 5 0 1 0 15
    Quarter-final Munster 13 – 6 Llanelli
    Semi-final Munster 15 – 9 Ulster
    Final Leinster 24 – 20 Munster
    2002–03 1st (Pool A) 7 6 0 1 4 28
    Quarter-final Munster 33 – 3 Connacht
    Semi-final Munster 42 – 10 Ulster
    Final Neath 17 – 37 Munster
    2003–04 7th 22 10 0 12 11 51
    2004–05 2nd 20 15 1 4 7 69
    2005–06 3rd 20 12 0 8 10 66[n 1]
    2006–07 6th 20 12 0 8 6 54
    2007–08 3rd 18 10 1 7 6 48
    2008–09 1st 18 14 0 4 8 63
    2009–10 4th 18 9 0 9 9 45
    Semi-final Leinster 16 – 6 Munster
    2010–11 1st 22 19 0 3 7 83
    Semi-final Munster 18 – 11 Ospreys
    Final Munster 19 – 9 Leinster
    2011–12 3rd 22 14 1 7 9 67
    Semi-final Ospreys 45 – 10 Munster
    2012–13 6th 22 11 1 10 8 54
    2013–14 3rd 22 16 0 6 10 74
    Semi-final Glasgow 16 – 15 Munster
    2014–15 2nd 22 15 2 5 11 75
    Semi-final Munster 21 – 18 Ospreys
    Final Munster 13 – 31 Glasgow
    1. ↑ 11 teams were involved in this season, so one team did not play each week and were awarded 4 points instead.
      Therefore, each team finished the season with 8 more points than the table would seem to warrant.

    European Cup

    Season Pool/Round Pos Played Won Drawn Lost Bonus Points
    1995–96 Pool 4 2 2 1 0 1 – 2
    1996–97 Pool 4 4 4 2 0 2 – 4
    1997–98 Pool 4 4 6 2 0 4 – 4
    1998–99 Pool 2 2 6 4 1 1 – 9
    Quarter-final Colomiers 23 – 9 Munster
    1999–00 Pool 4 1 6 5 0 1 – 10
    Quarter-final Munster 27 – 10 Stade Français
    Semi-final Toulouse 25 – 31 Munster
    Final Northampton Saints 9 – 8 Munster
    2000–01 Pool 4 1 6 5 0 1 – 10
    Quarter-final Munster 38 – 29 Biarritz Olympique
    Semi-final Stade Français 16 – 15 Munster
    2001–02 Pool 4 2 6 5 0 1 – 10
    Quarter-final Stade Français 14 – 16 Munster
    Semi-final Castres 17 – 25 Munster
    Final Leicester Tigers 15 – 9 Munster
    2002–03 Pool 2 2 6 4 0 2 – 8
    Quarter-final Leicester Tigers 7 – 20 Munster
    Semi-final Toulouse 13 – 12 Munster
    2003–04 Pool 5 1 6 5 0 1 4 24
    Quarter-final Munster 37 – 32 Stade Français
    Semi-final Munster 32 – 37 London Wasps
    2004–05 Pool 4 1 6 5 0 1 2 22
    Quarter-final Biarritz Olympique 19 – 10 Munster
    2005–06 Pool 1 1 6 5 0 1 3 23
    Quarter-final Munster 19 – 10 Perpignan
    Semi-final Leinster 6 – 30 Munster
    Final Biarritz Olympique 19 – 23 Munster
    2006–07 Pool 4 2 6 5 0 1 3 23
    Quarter-final Llanelli Scarlets 24 – 15 Munster
    2007–08 Pool 5 1 6 4 0 2 3 19
    Quarter-final Gloucester 3 – 16 Munster
    Semi-final Saracens 16 – 18 Munster
    Final Toulouse 13 – 16 Munster
    2008–09 Pool 1 1 6 5 0 1 3 23
    Quarter-final Munster 43 – 9 Ospreys
    Semi-final Munster 6 – 25 Leinster
    2009–10 Pool 1 1 6 5 0 1 4 24
    Quarter-final Munster 33 – 19 Northampton Saints
    Semi-final Biarritz Olympique 18 – 7 Munster
    2010–11 (HC) Pool 3 2 6 3 0 3 4 16
    2010–11 (AC) Quarter-final CA Brive 37 – 42 Munster
    Semi-final Munster 12 – 20 Harlequins
    2011–12 Pool 1 1 6 6 0 0 1 25
    Quarter-final Munster 16 – 22 Ulster
    2012–13 Pool 1 2 6 4 0 2 4 20
    Quarter-final Harlequins 12 – 18 Munster
    Semi-final Clermont Auvergne 16 – 10 Munster
    2013–14 Pool 6 1 6 5 0 1 3 23
    Quarter-final Munster 47 – 23 Toulouse
    Semi-final Toulon 24 – 16 Munster
    2014–15 Pool 1 3 6 3 0 3 3 15
    2015–16 Pool 4 3 6 3 0 3 3 15

    Senior Squad

    Coaching & Management Staff

    Position Name Nationality
    Head Coach Anthony Foley  Ireland
    Team Manager Niall O'Donovan[92]  Ireland
    Scrum Coach Jerry Flannery  Ireland
    Backs Coach Brian Walsh  Ireland
    Assistant Coach Ian Costello  Ireland
    Technical Advisor Mick O'Driscoll  Ireland
    Head of Fitness Aled Walters  Wales
    Strength & Conditioning Coach Aidan O'Connell  Ireland
    Strength & Conditioning Coach Adam Sheehan  Ireland
    Performance Analyst George Murray  Ireland
    Operations Manager Bryan Murphy  Ireland

    Senior Playing Squad 2015–16

    For player movements leading up to the 2016–17 season, see List of 2016–17 Pro12 transfers § Munster.

    Note: Flags indicate national union as has been defined under WR eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-WR nationality.

    Player Position Union
    Casey, DuncanDuncan Casey Hooker Ireland Ireland
    O'Byrne, KevinKevin O'Byrne Hooker Ireland Ireland
    Scannell, NiallNiall Scannell Hooker Ireland Ireland
    Sherry, MikeMike Sherry Hooker Ireland Ireland
    Archer, StephenStephen Archer Prop Ireland Ireland
    Botha, BJBJ Botha Prop South Africa South Africa
    Cronin, JamesJames Cronin Prop Ireland Ireland
    Kilcoyne, DavidDavid Kilcoyne Prop Ireland Ireland
    McCabe, PeterPeter McCabe Prop Ireland Ireland
    Ryan, JohnJohn Ryan Prop Ireland Ireland
    Sagario, MarioMario Sagario Prop Uruguay Uruguay
    Chisholm, MarkMark Chisholm Lock Australia Australia
    Foley, DaveDave Foley Lock Ireland Ireland
    Holland, BillyBilly Holland Lock Ireland Ireland
    Ryan, DonnachaDonnacha Ryan Lock Ireland Ireland
    Buckley, ShaneShane Buckley Flanker Ireland Ireland
    Coghlan, JordanJordan Coghlan Flanker Ireland Ireland
    O'Callaghan, DaveDave O'Callaghan Flanker Ireland Ireland
    O'Donnell, TommyTommy O'Donnell Flanker Ireland Ireland
    O’Mahony, PeterPeter O’Mahony (c) Flanker Ireland Ireland
    Copeland, RobinRobin Copeland Number 8 Ireland Ireland
    O'Donoghue, JackJack O'Donoghue Number 8 Ireland Ireland
    Stander, CJCJ Stander Number 8 Ireland Ireland
    Player Position Union
    Murray, ConorConor Murray Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
    O'Leary, TomásTomás O'Leary Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
    Sheridan, CathalCathal Sheridan Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
    Williams, DuncanDuncan Williams Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
    Holland, JonathanJonathan Holland Fly-half Ireland Ireland
    Keatley, IanIan Keatley Fly-half Ireland Ireland
    Bleyendaal, TylerTyler Bleyendaal Centre New Zealand New Zealand
    Bohane, CianCian Bohane Centre Ireland Ireland
    Earls, KeithKeith Earls Centre Ireland Ireland
    Hurley, DenisDenis Hurley Centre Ireland Ireland
    Saili, FrancisFrancis Saili Centre New Zealand New Zealand
    Conway, AndrewAndrew Conway Wing Ireland Ireland
    O'Mahony, RonanRonan O'Mahony Wing Ireland Ireland
    van den Heever, GerhardGerhard van den Heever Wing South Africa South Africa
    Zebo, SimonSimon Zebo Wing Ireland Ireland
    Sweetnam, DarrenDarren Sweetnam Fullback Ireland Ireland

    Academy Squad

    Coaching & Management Staff

    The Munster Academy Coaching and Management staff for the 2014–15 season.

    Position Name Nationality
    Elite Development Manager Peter Malone  Ireland
    Elite Player Development Officer Colm McMahon  Ireland
    Elite Player Development Officer Greig Oliver  Scotland
    Strength & Conditioning Coach Feargal O'Callaghan  Ireland
    Strength & Conditioning Coach Joe McGinley  Ireland
    Physio Patrick Hanley  Ireland
    Physio Damien Mordan  Ireland

    Academy Playing Squad 2015–16

    The Munster Academy for the 2015–16 season. Note: Flags indicate national union as has been defined under WR eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-WR nationality.

    Player Position Union
    Rory Burke Prop Ireland Ireland year 3
    Niall Horan Prop Ireland Ireland year 3
    Liam O'Connor Prop Ireland Ireland year 1
    JP Phelan Prop Ireland Ireland year 1
    Brian Scott Prop Ireland Ireland year 2
    John Madigan Lock Ireland Ireland year 3
    Sean McCarthy Lock Ireland Ireland year 3
    Darragh Moloney Lock Ireland Ireland year 2
    Ben Kilkenny Flanker Ireland Ireland year 1
    Ollie Lyons Flanker Ireland Ireland year 1
    Conor Oliver Flanker Ireland Ireland year 1
    Player Position Union
    Jack Cullen Scrum-half Ireland Ireland year 3
    Ryan Foley Scrum-half Ireland Ireland year 2
    Bill Johnston Fly-half Ireland Ireland year 1
    Gearoid Lyons Fly-half Ireland Ireland year 3
    Tomás Quinlan Fly-half Ireland Ireland year 1
    Dan Goggin Centre Ireland Ireland year 2
    Ned Hodson Centre Ireland Ireland year 1
    Rory Scannell Centre Ireland Ireland year 3
    Steven McMahon Wing Ireland Ireland year 1
    Greg O'Shea Wing Ireland Ireland year 3
    Alex Wootton Wing Ireland Ireland year 3
    Stephen Fitzgerald Fullback Ireland Ireland year 2
    David Johnston Fullback Ireland Ireland year 3

    Results against touring international teams

    Date Country Location Score Result
    1947 Australia Australia Mardkye 5–6 Lost
    1951 South Africa South Africa Thomond Park 6–11 Lost
    1954 New Zealand New Zealand Mardyke 3–6 Lost
    1958 Australia Australia Thomond Park 3–3 Draw
    1960 South Africa South Africa Musgrave Park 3–9 Lost
    1962 Canada Canada Musgrave Park 11–8 Won
    1963 New Zealand New Zealand Thomond Park 3–6 Lost
    1967 Australia Australia Musgrave Park 11–8 Won
    1970 South Africa South Africa Thomond Park 9–25 Lost
    1973 New Zealand New Zealand Musgrave Park 3–3 Drew
    1973 Argentina Argentina Thomond Park 12–12 Drew
    1974 New Zealand New Zealand Thomond Park 4–14 Lost
    1976 Australia Australia Musgrave Park 13–15 Lost
    1978 New Zealand New Zealand Thomond Park 12–0 Won
    1980 Romania Romania Thomond Park 9–32 Lost
    1981 Australia Australia Musgrave Park 15–6 Won
    1984 Australia Australia Thomond Park 19–31 Lost
    1989 New Zealand New Zealand Musgrave Park 9–31 Lost
    1990 USSR Soviet Union Clonmel 15–19 Lost
    1992 Australia Australia Musgrave Park 22–19 Won
    1996 Samoa Samoa Musgrave Park 25–35 Lost
    1996 Australia Australia Thomond Park 19–55 Lost
    1998 Morocco Morocco Thomond Park 49–17 Won
    2008 New Zealand New Zealand Thomond Park 16–18 Lost
    2010 Australia Australia Thomond Park 15–6 Won

    Record against Pro 12 and European Cup opponents

    Against Played Won Drawn Lost % Won
    Italy Aironi 4 3 0 1 75.00%
    England Bath 2 1 0 1 50.00%
    France Biarritz Olympique 4 2 0 2 50.00%
    Scotland Border Reivers 8 8 0 0 100.00%
    France Bourgoin 6 5 0 1 83.33%
    Wales Bridgend 2 2 0 0 100.00%
    France Brive 1 1 0 0 100.00%
    Wales Caerphilly RFC 2 2 0 0 100.00%
    France Castres Olympique 12 9 0 3 75.00%
    Wales Cardiff Blues 32 19 0 13 59.37%
    Wales Celtic Warriors 2 1 0 1 50.00%
    France Clermont Auvergne 7 2 0 5 28.57%
    France Colomiers 3 2 0 1 66.67%
    Ireland Connacht 28 23 1 4 82.14%
    Wales Ebbw Vale RFC 1 1 0 0 100.00%
    Scotland Edinburgh 31 24 0 7 77.41%
    Scotland Glasgow Warriors 29 16 1 12 55.17%
    England Gloucester 7 5 0 2 71.43%
    England Harlequins 8 6 0 2 75.00%
    Wales Llanelli RFC 2 2 0 0 100.00%
    England Leicester Tigers 6 2 0 4 33.33%
    Ireland Leinster 33 14 1 18 42.42%
    England London Irish 2 1 0 1 50.00%
    Italy Milan 1 1 0 0 100.00%
    France Montauban 2 2 0 0 100.00%
    Wales Neath RFC 5 3 1 1 60.00%
    Wales Newport RFC 3 3 0 0 100.00%
    Wales Newport Gwent Dragons 28 20 0 8 71.42%
    England Northampton Saints 6 4 0 2 66.67%
    Wales Ospreys 34 17 1 16 50.00%
    France Perpignan 9 7 0 2 71.43%
    Italy Petrarca 2 2 0 0 100.00%
    Wales Pontypridd RFC 2 1 0 1 50.00%
    France Racing 92 2 1 0 1 50.00%
    England Sale Sharks 6 5 0 1 83.33%
    England Saracens 7 5 0 2 71.43%
    Wales Scarlets 33 21 2 10 63.64%
    France Stade Français 6 4 0 2 66.67%
    Wales Swansea RFC 2 2 0 0 100.00%
    France Toulon 3 1 0 2 33.33%
    France Toulouse 5 3 0 2 60.00%
    Italy Treviso 18 15 0 3 83.33%
    Ireland Ulster 29 14 1 14 48.28%
    Italy Viadana 2 2 0 0 100.00%
    England Wasps 4 2 0 2 50.00%
    Italy Zebre 8 8 0 0 100.00%
    Total 449 294 8 147 65.47%

    Correct as of 29 April 2016.

    Head coaches (professional era)

    As of 29 April 2016[note 1]
    Coach Season(s) Games Won Drew Lost Win % Loss % Championships / Notes
    Ireland Kidney, DeclanDeclan Kidney 1998–99 – 2002–03 145 100 4 41 69% 28%
    Australia Gaffney, AlanAlan Gaffney 2003–04 – 2004–05 81 57 1 23 70% 28% Celtic League (2003)
    Celtic Cup (2005)
    Ireland Kidney, DeclanDeclan Kidney 2005–06 – 2007–08 European Cup (2006), (2008)
    Australia McGahan, TonyTony McGahan 2008–09 – 2011–12 115 83 1 31 72% 27% Pro12 (2009), (2011)
    New Zealand Penney, RobRob Penney 2012–13 – 2013–14 61 37 1 23 61% 38%
    Ireland Foley, AnthonyAnthony Foley 2014–15 – present 57 34 2 21 60% 37%

    Notable players

    Main article: Munster Rugby players

    British and Irish Lions

    The following Munster players have also represented the British and Irish Lions:[93][94]

    The '200' Club

    The following players have at least 200 appearances for Munster. All players are Irish, unless otherwise noted.

    Overseas Players

    Note: Flags indicate national union as has been defined under WR eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-WR nationality.

    Individual records

    (correct as of 25 March 2016) Bold indicates highest overall record. All players are Irish unless otherwise indicated.

    All Time

    Heineken Cup

    Celtic League

    ERC Elite Team Awards

    Team Award: (50 Heineken Cup matches):

    ERC Elite Player Awards

    All players are Irish unless otherwise noted.

    ERC 15 European Player Award

    This award recognises the best European player in the Heineken Cup from 1995–2010.

    European Dream Team

    The following Munster players were selected in the ERC European Dream Team, an all–time dream team of Heineken Cup players.

    Appearances

    Scoring

    Pro 12 Team of the Year

    Competition Irish players Foreign players
    2007–08[95] —— New Zealand Lifeimi Mafi
    2008–09[96] Ronan O'Gara,
    Jerry Flannery,
    Paul O'Connell     		New Zealand Lifeimi Mafi
    2009–10[97] Tomas O'Leary ——
    2010–11[98] Ronan O'Gara ——
    2011–12[99] —— South Africa BJ Botha
    2013–14[100] Dave Kilcoyne New Zealand Casey Laulala
    2014–15[101] Tommy O'Donnell South Africa CJ Stander

    Golden Boot

    The Pro 12 Golden Boot is awarded to the kicker who has successfully converted the highest percentage of place kicks during the 22 week regular Pro12 season. The prize has been awarded annually since 2012. (Percentage success rate in brackets)

    See also

    Notes

    1. ↑ Original research sourced from http://www.munsterrugby.ie/team/results/index.php

    References

    1. ↑ Thornley, Gerry. "Munster Rugby". The Irish Times.
    2. ↑ Limerick Rugby Full Of Heroes, The Daily Telegraph, 24 May 2002. Retrieved on 8 March 2011.
    3. ↑ Limerick Ready To Create Legends, The Independent, 27 May 2000. Retrieved on 8 March 2011.
    4. ↑ Bates, Rupert (21 May 2006). "Munster savour slice of heaven". The Daily Telegraph (London).
    5. ↑ Gallagher, Brendan (17 November 2008). "Munster's historic 1978 victory over mighty All Blacks proved a defining moment". The Daily Telegraph (London).
    6. ↑ "Alone they sit and recall putting mighty Blacks to flight". The Irish Times.
    7. ↑ "Class of 2010 Excel". munsterrugby.ie. 17 November 2010. Retrieved 3 February 2013.
    8. ↑ Howitt (2005), p.8
    9. ↑ "Ospreys 27–18 Dragons". BBC Sport. 30 April 2009. Retrieved 30 April 2009.
    10. ↑ Farrelly, Hugh (17 January 2011). "Munster's epic ends as tragedy". Irish Independent. Retrieved 17 January 2011.
    11. ↑ "Munster 19–9 Leinster". BBC Sport. 30 May 2011. Retrieved 30 May 2011.
    12. ↑ Thornley, Gerry (30 May 2011). "Munster close out season in grand style". Irish Times. Retrieved 30 May 2011.
    13. ↑ "Cometh The Hour, Cometh The Men". munsterrugby.ie. 13 November 2011. Retrieved 13 November 2011.
    14. ↑ "Same Again Thanks Rog". munsterrugby.ie. 20 November 2011. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
    15. ↑ "Set-Piece & Defence Gives Munster The Edge". munsterrugby.ie. 11 December 2011. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
    16. ↑ "Munster Complete The Scarlets Job". munsterrugby.ie. 19 December 2011. Retrieved 20 December 2011.
    17. ↑ "Fifth Successive Win Sees Munster Through". munsterrugby.ie. 15 January 2012. Retrieved 15 January 2012.
    18. ↑ "Munster Close The Deal". munsterrugby.ie. 22 January 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2012.
    19. ↑ "Heartbreak For Munster". munsterrugby.ie. 8 April 2012. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
    20. ↑ "No Consolation Of Any Sort In This Result". munsterrugby..ie. 12 May 2012. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
    21. ↑ "Tony McGahan set to leave Munster for Australia at end of season". BBC Sport. 22 February 2012. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
    22. ↑ "Munster to lose McGahan". irishexaminer.com. 22 February 2012. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
    23. ↑ "McGahan to quit as Munster coach". planetrugby.com. 22 February 2012. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
    24. ↑ Fallon, John (23 March 2012). "McGahan excited about Wallaby role". irishtimes.com. Retrieved 30 March 2012.
    25. ↑ "Penney Appointed". munsterrugby.ie. 2 May 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
    26. ↑ "Heineken Cup Pools 2012/2013". munsterrugby.ie. 13 June 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2012.
    27. ↑ "Munster Have To Settle For Losing Bonus". munsterrugby.ie. 13 October 2012. Retrieved 21 October 2012.
    28. ↑ "End Game Earns Bonus". munsterrugby.ie. 22 October 2012. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
    29. ↑ "Munster Show Their Gritty Side". munsterrugby.ie. 10 December 2012. Retrieved 12 December 2012.
    30. ↑ "Munster Lose After Epic Battle". munsterrugby.ie. 17 December 2012. Retrieved 17 December 2012.
    31. ↑ "Munster Win In Murrayfield". munsterrugby.ie. 13 January 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
    32. ↑ "Munster Go Through". munsterrugby.ie. 21 January 2013. Retrieved 21 January 2013.
    33. ↑ "Alone They Stand". munsterrugby.ie. 8 April 2013. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
    34. ↑ "Munster Lose A Game Of Two Halves". munsterugby.ie. 28 April 2013. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
    35. ↑ "2012–13 RaboDirect PRO12 League Table". munsterrugby.ie. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
    36. ↑ "Munster In Pool 6". munsterrugby.ie. 5 June 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
    37. ↑ "Disappointing Defeat In Murrayfield". munsterrugby.ie. 12 October 2013. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
    38. ↑ "Heineken Cup Win In Thomond Park". munsterrugby.ie. 19 October 2013. Retrieved 3 November 2013.
    39. ↑ "Munster Top Of Group After Bonus-Point Win". munsterrugby.ie. 8 December 2013. Retrieved 8 December 2013.
    40. ↑ "Munster Claim Last-Gasp Win In Perpignan". munsterrugby.ie. 14 December 2013. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
    41. ↑ "Quarter Final Place Secured". munsterrugby.ie. 12 January 2014. Retrieved 12 January 2014.
    42. ↑ "Bonus-Point Munster Move Into Home Quarters". munsterrugby.ie. 19 January 2014. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
    43. ↑ "Move Confirmed For Coaching Duo". munsterrugby.ie. 6 February 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
    44. ↑ "Foley Confirmed As Next Head Coach". munsterrugby.ie. 19 February 2014. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
    45. ↑ "Vintage Munster March On". munsterrugby.ie. 5 April 2014. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
    46. ↑ "Toulon End Munster's European Campaign". munsterrugby.ie. 27 April 2014. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
    47. ↑ "RaboDirect PRO12 Semi-Final Confirmed". munsterrugby.ie. 10 May 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
    48. ↑ "Munster Out By Narrowest Of Margins". munsterrugby.ie. 16 May 2014. Retrieved 16 May 2014.
    49. ↑ "Munster in Pool 1 of Champions Cup". munsterrugby.ie. 10 June 2014. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
    50. ↑ "Keatley Kicks Munster On". munsterrugby.ie. 18 October 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
    51. ↑ "Munster Overcome Saracens". munsterrugby.ie. 24 October 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
    52. ↑ "Clermont Claim Win At Thomond Park". munsterrugby.ie. 6 December 2014. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
    53. ↑ "Losing Bonus Point Secured At Clermont". munsterrugby.ie. 14 December 2014. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
    54. ↑ "Munster Lose Out In London". munsterrugby.ie. 17 January 2015. Retrieved 17 January 2015.
    55. ↑ "Munster Finish With Flourish". munsterrugby.ie. 25 January 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
    56. ↑ "Munster Do The Job In Cork". munsterrugby.ie. 16 May 2015. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
    57. ↑ "Final Beckons After Incredible Win". munsterrugby.ie. 23 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
    58. ↑ "Not To Be In Belfast". munsterrugby.ie. 30 May 2015. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
    59. ↑ "Muster Drawn In Pool 4". munsterrugby.ie. 17 June 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
    60. ↑ "Job Done In Thomond". munsterrugby.ie. 14 November 2015. Retrieved 14 November 2015.
    61. ↑ "Stade Francais Fixture Postponed". munsterrugby.ie. 17 November 2015. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
    62. ↑ "Tigers Pounce In Thomond". munsterrugby.ie. 12 December 2015. Retrieved 13 December 2015.
    63. ↑ "Champions Cup Defeat At Welford Road". munsterrugby.ie. 20 December 2015. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
    64. ↑ "Munster Bounce Back In Style At Thomond". munsterrugby.ie. 16 January 2016. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
    65. ↑ "Munster Finish With A Flourish". munsterrugby.ie. 24 January 2016. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
    66. ↑ "Director Of Rugby Appointed". munsterrugby.ie. 25 April 2016. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
    67. ↑ Competition Rule 3.5 "Summary of Key Rules". Pro12. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
    68. 1 2 3 Simon Lewis (3 July 2003). "New Munster kit and logo to save revenue, not exploit fans". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 13 March 2007.
    69. ↑ "Multi-million euro boost for Munster after Bank of Ireland secured as new sponsor". independent.ie. 21 May 2013. Retrieved 21 May 2013.
    70. ↑ "Details for Thomond Park, Limerick". Worldstadia.com. Retrieved 13 March 2007.
    71. ↑ "Tigers storm Thomond Park". European Rugby Cup. Archived from the original on 18 February 2007. Retrieved 13 March 2007.
    72. ↑ "Munster aim to start work in March". Thomond Park. Retrieved 13 March 2007.
    73. ↑ Archived 21 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine.
    74. ↑ "Thomond to keep it's name". Ireland.com. Retrieved 15 June 2008.
    75. ↑ "Hunt for Cup Final tickets heats up". The Irish Post. Retrieved 13 March 2007.
    76. ↑ Kevin McDonnell (21 May 2006). "Munster fans". Sunday Mirror. Retrieved 31 January 2007.
    77. ↑ "Munster Rugby USA". Munster Rugby. Archived from the original on 9 March 2007. Retrieved 13 March 2007.
    78. ↑ "Match Report: Munster v Leinster". European Rugby Cup. 2 May 2009. Archived from the original on 8 January 2010. Retrieved 2 May 2009.
    79. ↑ "The seventh Heineken Cup final". European Rugby Cup. Archived from the original on 15 November 2006. Retrieved 13 March 2007.
    80. ↑ "Biarritz Move Into Final Four". European Rugby Cup. Archived from the original on 25 November 2006. Retrieved 13 March 2007.
    81. ↑ "Leinster 27–20 Munster". BBC Sport. 6 October 2006. Retrieved 13 March 2007.
    82. ↑ Stokes, Jim (22 December 2006). "The final curtain". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 March 2007.
    83. ↑ "Leinster overcome Munster in front of record crowd". Magners League. 2 October 2010. Retrieved 2 October 2010.
    84. ↑ Keane, Billy. "Myopic Munster fans a blight on old rivalry". Irish Independent. Retrieved 22 April 2008.
    85. ↑ "Munster Rugby : Rugby : Results & Fixtures : Munster 'A' Fixtures". Munsterrugby.ie. 2012-11-27. Retrieved 2013-08-14.
    86. ↑ http://web.archive.org/web/20100528112408/http://www.irishrugby.ie:80/22_20928.php. Archived from the original on 28 May 2010. Retrieved 26 May 2010. Missing or empty |title= (help)
    87. ↑ "British & Irish Cup Defeat". munsterrugby.ie. 16 May 2010. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
    88. ↑ "Munster Prove Too Strong". munsterrugby.ie. 27 April 2012. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
    89. ↑ "Celtic Cup Glory". munsterrugby.ie. 14 May 2005. Retrieved 23 January 2012.
    90. ↑ "Munster Claim Setanta Challenge Cup". munsterrugby.ie. 27 August 2007.
    91. ↑ "Munster Retain The Setanta Cup". munsterrugby.ie. 31 August 2008.
    92. ↑ "O'Donovan Looks The Perfect Fit". munsterrugby.ie. 13 June 2012.
    93. ↑ The Ireland Rugby Miscellany (2007): Ciaran Cronin
    94. ↑ "Munster Lions". Munster Lions. Retrieved 2013-08-14.
    95. ↑ "Leinster dominate Magners dream team". rte.ie. 27 May 2008. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
    96. ↑ "Four Munster Players On Magners Dream Team". munsterrugby.ie. 5 May 2009. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
    97. ↑ "Magners League 'Dream Team' announced". espn.co.uk. 28 May 2010. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
    98. ↑ "O'Gara The Sole Inclusion". munsterrugby.ie. 5 May 2011. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
    99. ↑ "Five provincial players in Rabo Pro12 Dream Team". rte.ie. 3 May 2012. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
    100. ↑ "Kilcoyne And Laulala Named In Dream Team". munsterrugby.ie. 5 May 2014. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
    101. ↑ "Stander & O'Donnell Make PRO12 Dream Team". munsterrugby.ie. 11 May 2015. Retrieved 11 May 2015.

    Further reading

    External links

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