Munster supporters: Did you cheer for Leinster or Leicester today?

danthefan

Depp wrote: »

What you leinster people dont understand is that for us its like celtic and rangers, it just doesnt work

You do not speak for the majority of Munster fans, at all. Stupid post.

zuroph

Depp wrote: »

What you leinster people dont understand is that for us its like celtic and rangers, it just doesnt work

its really not. I suspect you know a lot less about this than you let on.

NickNolte

Depp wrote: »

What you leinster people dont understand is that for us its like celtic and rangers, it just doesnt work

You should probably go back to supporting Celtic in that case.

Shan75

Depp wrote: »

What you leinster people dont understand is that for us its like celtic and rangers, it just doesnt work

I must say I've been involved in rugby in Limerick for circa 30 years and I've never heard anybody make that type of comparison before.I'd hate to think that this type of hatefulness and bitterness is going to come into the game.We have great banter and rivalry in this game and long may it continue.

Four-Percent

Depp wrote: »

for us its like celtic and rangers, it just doesnt work

I didn't realise it meant that much to twelve year olds.

NickNolte

Shan75 wrote: »

I must say I've been involved in rugby in Limerick for circa 30 years and I've never heard anybody make that type of comparison before.I'd hate to think that this type of hatefulness and bitterness is going to come into the game.We have great banter and rivalry in this game and long may it continue.

I suppose we have to expect that, with a growing support for rugby in this country, it's going to attract a lot of morons who aren't in tune with the traditional, sporting culture of the game and just don't "get it". We have to take the rough with the smooth. On one hand, there'll be a lot more money available to nurture the professional game. On the other hand you get some really cringeworthy comments (like that from Depp) from newbies who just don't have a clue.

gcgirl

It was a brill game and Leinster deserve it!! Theres no way i'd ever back an English team Its irish Rugby agenst English rugby and anybody who backed the English team need not bother going to another Ireland game yah scum! or better still go back to your soccer !! We dont need such shyte in rugby and i even brought the kids up to the rds and they loved it!!

phog

gcgirl wrote: »

It was a brill game and Leinster deserve it!! Theres no way i'd ever back an English team Its irish Rugby agenst English rugby and anybody who backed the English team need not bother going to another Ireland game yah scum! or better still go back to your soccer !! We dont need such shyte in rugby and i even brought the kids up to the rds and they loved it!!

I guess there's scum in all four provinces so, it wouldnt surprise me that not everyone supported Munster last year and not everyone supported Leinster yesterday.

gcgirl

Even back when Ulster won it back in 99 If Connought do well just as Munster and Leinster I am Irish first and formost and i love to see irish rugby do well agenst the rest !! For any of us who can remember the late 80's and most of the 90's and how depressing to see great players win nothing and between the last 5 years its been brill part from the WC on 07 but there is the next time!!

Peter B

Are we saying that no Leinster supporters were happy when Munster lost to Leicester in Thomond Park and lost their unbeaten home record?

NickNolte

Peter B wrote: »

Are we saying that no Leinster supporters were happy when Munster lost to Leicester in Thomond Park and lost their unbeaten home record?

None that I know of. I'm sure there were a few muppets masquerading as Leinster supporters who were gloating about it but I don't really consider them Leinster (or rugby) supporters.

Peter B

NickNolte wrote: »

None that I know of. I'm sure there were a few muppets masquerading as Leinster supporters who were gloating about it but I don't really consider them Leinster (or rugby) supporters.

I know a few that were happy to see Munster's home record gone and that Munster was beaten on their home turf.

I also know a few who wanted Biarritz to win the final in 2006 and Toulouse to win the final in 2008. Many of them for instance did not like the style of rugby Munster were playing at the time.

I'm a Munster supporter and I have no problem with any of the above.

Leinster fans grow a set. Support your own team and stop this crap saying you should not be supporting Ireland if you support another team against an Irish team. What is with this sort of insecurity? Are you worried you're not liked??? Are you annoyed you are not other rugby fans second favourite team after their own?

In some Eng v NZ matches I supported New Zealand. Does this mean I cannot support the Lions???

Tim Robbins

phog wrote: »

I guess there's scum in all four provinces so, it wouldnt surprise me that not everyone supported Munster last year and not everyone supported Leinster yesterday.

I was at the game. I'd welcomed support for Leinster from anywhere (not just Munster). The only thing that irritates me:

1.
I don't mind a few red jerseys, as there were a few Ulster, Connaught, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Toulouse jerseys but there were literally thousands and thousands of red jerseys. Not just at the match, but the Friday night, all day Saturday and Sunday. Flights over, flights back, Train up, Train down.

I've never gone to a Rugby match where it felt liked there were three teams. It was just a bit weird in that respect. I think it's better when it's just clearly two sets of fans and both sets of fans are really into the teams playing, not just there because they booked it 5 months ago thinking it would be something else.

2.
Some Leinster grass roots people gave the final a miss because it was a nightmare organising accommodation. I just think it's a shame that because thousands of fans from another team had literally booked out everything purely for a reason that never materialised that people the day would have meant more to got squeezed out.

NickNolte

Peter B wrote: »

I know a few that were happy to see Munster's home record gone and that Munster was beaten on their home turf.

I also know a few who wanted Biarritz to win the final in 2006 and Toulouse to win the final in 2008. Many of them for instance did not like the style of rugby Munster were playing at the time.

You know a few, do you? That's mad. I've been supporting Leinster my whole life, go to most home games and a good percentage of away games. Scores of my friends support Leinster and I have met and had banter with hundreds upon hundreds of Leinster supporters. Only a couple of times have I come across anti-Munster sentiment beyond the accepted bit of rivalry and light goading. The few "Leinster fans" that I happened upon that were like that were idiots, knew nothing about rugby and had only been "supporting" Leinster for a short period of time. So the fact that you, a Munster supporter, know 'a few' Leinster supporters like this just doens't add up to me. I should obviously be much more exposed to this kind of thing than you and yet I very rarely see or hear it. Suffice to say I think you're talking out of your hat.

Peter B wrote: »

I'm a Munster supporter and I have no problem with any of the above.

I'm a Leinster and Ireland supporter and I do.

Peter B wrote: »

Leinster fans grow a set. Support your own team and stop this crap saying you should not be supporting Ireland if you support another team against an Irish team.

It has nothing to do with 'growing a set'. It's more about the disrespect demonstrated by supporting any team that's playing against Leinster or Munster without good reason for doing so. To cheer on a team that's playing against Leinster/Munster just because they're playing against Leinster/Munster is divisive and has no place in rugby... particularly if you claim to be an Ireland supporter.

Cheering for Leicester in the HEC final and then supporting Ireland a few hours later is bizarre, idiotic and hypocritical. It's akin to English soccer fans calling their club rivals 'scum' and then supporting them when they wear an England shirt. Duh duh mentality that I hope never makes it to rugby in any noticeable way.

Peter B wrote: »

What is with this sort of insecurity? Are you worried you're not liked??? Are you annoyed you are not other rugby fans second favourite team after their own?

It's more to do with the provincial game being closely tied to the national team. If you can segregate your loyalties that easily that you would support any team that plays against your local rivals then I would question your dedication to the national team... and the length of time you've followed rugby or if you've ever played.

On the few occasions that I've engaged with Leinster or Munster fans who spew bile, they all have one thing in common... they're know sweet FA about rugby.

Peter B wrote: »

In some Eng v NZ matches I supported New Zealand. Does this mean I cannot support the Lions???

You can support who you like. I'm assuming you're neither English nor Kiwi so it's a stupid, spurious point.

subfreq

Didn't cheer for either team during the match. It's not that I was against Leinster in any way but I have no emotional investment in the team so can't pretend to be a supporter on the day.

At the end of the game I certainly applauded the Blues and I can't say I would have done that for the Tigers.

All Leinster supports should revel in being the best team in Europe they deserve it.

You beat the form team in Europe, followed by the then Champions and tournament favorites who were also Magners Champions and then the Champions of England.

You can't be denied and it was great to see the long standing players of Leinster enjoy a success they have been chasing for a decade. Who would deny BOD that medal for the career and service he has given.

Now that is over can we get back to being rivals again?

Peter B

NickNolte wrote: »

You know a few, do you? That's mad. I've been supporting Leinster my whole life, go to most home games and a good percentage of away games. Scores of my friends support Leinster and I have met and had banter with hundreds upon hundreds of Leinster supporters. Only a couple of times have I come across anti-Munster sentiment beyond the accepted bit of rivalry and light goading. The few "Leinster fans" that I happened upon that were like that were idiots, knew nothing about rugby and had only been "supporting" Leinster for a short period of time. So the fact that you, a Munster supporter, know 'a few' Leinster supporters like this just doens't add up to me. I should obviously be much more exposed to this kind of thing than you and yet I very rarely see or hear it. Suffice to say I think you're talking out of your hat.

I am working in Dublin and have been in Dublin for 9 years. I have many friends from Leinster. Even on my facebook I had a few Leinster fans who changed their statuses to have a dig at Munster rather then enjoying their win, such as - "Leinster HEC Champs - Suck it Munster".

I have been to many, many Leinster matches from back in the days of Leinster playing Newcastle in Donnybrook during my college years. Leinster fans chanting "Johnny, Johnny, Johnny" as Wilkinson was about to kick a penalty or conversion. I remember going to a Leinster match in Lansdowne one Friday evening in December where we were the loudest fans (in our area anyway) and we weren't even from Leinster.

I have seen the emergence and evolution of the blue army from the crap atmosphere of back in those days with a half empty Donnybrook to the brilliant atmosphere they provided in the Munster v Leinster semi in Croke Park. I also know many, many Leinster fans.

NickNolte wrote: »

I'm a Leinster and Ireland supporter and I do.

Take a chill pill. I am a Munster and Ireland supporter and I don't.

NickNolte wrote: »

It has nothing to do with 'growing a set'. It's more about the disrespect demonstrated by supporting any team that's playing against Leinster or Munster without good reason for doing so. To cheer on a team that's playing against Leinster/Munster just because they're playing against Leinster/Munster is divisive and has no place in rugby... particularly if you claim to be an Ireland supporter.

It is not disrespectful by not supporting your neighbours. It is more disrespectful not allowing someone to support who they want. Now that you are champions of Europe you must understand that many supporters are not going to like you. Both nationally and internationally. You will now be going into games as favourites and supporters will often support the underdog. This is allowed. People can support who the hell they like. As a Munster supporter I am well used to this and don't let it annoy me. Get used to it.

NickNolte wrote: »

Cheering for Leicester in the HEC final and then supporting Ireland a few hours later is bizarre, idiotic and hypocritical. It's akin to English soccer fans calling their club rivals 'scum' and then supporting them when they wear an England shirt. Duh duh mentality that I hope never makes it to rugby in any noticeable way.

Nobody is calling anybody scum (well except for gcgirl). All they are doing is hoping for the other team to win. You seem to be taking it personally. As a Shannon supporter (well, not as much as I would like to be as I am up in Dublin) I do not mind if Garryowen get beaten by Tarf. Still Garryowen provide many players to Munster. I was also not too pushed when Cork Con got beaten by Tarf.

NickNolte wrote: »

It's more to do with the provincial game being closely tied to the national team. If you can segregate your loyalties that easily that you would support any team that plays against your local rivals then I would question your dedication to the national team... and the length of time you've followed rugby or if you've ever played.

On the few occasions that I've engaged with Leinster or Munster fans who spew bile, they all have one thing in common... they're know sweet FA about rugby.

I am also a sailing fan. I have been following the Green Dragon in the Volvo Ocean Race. I support the Green Dragon. They have many English sailors on the boat who I would not ordinarily support in different competitions but while they are racing the Green Dragon I fully support the team. I am not being hypocritical.

NickNolte wrote: »

You can support who you like. I'm assuming you're neither English nor Kiwi so it's a stupid, spurious point.

Is it not the same thing? Ireland is made up of players from both Munster and Leinster (and other) teams. The Lions are made up of players from the England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales teams.

If I do not support England in a match against NZ, is it not similar to not supporting Leinster against Leicester. Am I then not allowed to support the Lions???

I don't like mustard on its own. That does not stop me enjoying it on a large triple decker sambo.

NickNolte

Peter B wrote: »

I am working in Dublin and have been in Dublin for 9 years. I have many friends from Leinster. Even on my facebook I had a few Leinster fans who changed their statuses to have a dig at Munster rather then enjoying their win, such as - "Leinster HEC Champs - Suck it Munster".

Well I suppose if you're hanging around with 12-year-old Leinster fans then maybe.

Peter B wrote: »

It is more disrespectful not allowing someone to support who they want.

I'm not saying you can't support who you want. I would personally just not consider you a true Ireland supporter if you were to go out of your way to support any team that's playing against Leinster. Leinster, Munster and Ireland are inextricably linked whether you like it or not. Get used to it. As I say though, support who you like. I really don't care.

Shan75

Peter B wrote: As a Shannon supporter (well, not as much as I would like to be as I am up in Dublin) I do not mind if Garryowen get beaten by Tarf. Still Garryowen provide many players to Munster. I was also not too pushed when Cork Con got beaten by Tarf.

I'm a Shannon man too and I would support any team in the country over Cork Con but there are very good reasons for that which maybe should not be articulated in this thread.

I also don't mind if Garryowen are beaten but then again I wouldn't go out of my way to support the opposition which if I'm right is the point being made by NickNolte.

I even remember going to the AIL final in Lansdowne Road in 1999 to cheer Garryowen against Cork Con but unfortunately Con won it.

punchdrunk

seen a dad and his son infront of me in the west 1 block
pissed me off no end to see the kid (about 10 i'd say) cheer Leicester on :mad:
they legged it as soon as the whistle went,didn't even stick around to the celebrations

shame that the dad is teaching his son to be so petty
what's the point???

Catmologen

Neither, was completley neutral, this idea that all Munster and Leinster fans should support the other seems ridiculous to me.

Fair play to Leinster they were the better team on the day and deserved it but ill support who i want thanks.

Im just glad it was a good game of rugby.

jdivision

Shouted for Leinster yesterday, can't understand why anybody Irish wouldn't.

NickNolte

jdivision wrote: »

Shouted for Leinster yesterday, can't understand why anybody Irish wouldn't.

It's called the soccerisation of rugby. Newbies just don't get it.

thehighground

NickNolte wrote: »

It's called the soccerisation of rugby. Newbies just don't get it.

Some GAA fans mightn't get it either.

Who would the Dubs support in a game between Kerry v Tyrone/Armagh?

It doesn't mean just yet that we are going to start having to segregate fans though, like soccer.

btw, I was thrilled Leinster won (mainly because of BOD, Girve & Co). But I suspect that if Leinster get to a final next year I mightn't want Leinster to win! Please don't be offended by this. That is sporting rivalry.

NickNolte

thehighground wrote: »

Some GAA fans mightn't get it either.

Who would the Dubs support in a game between Kerry v Tyrone/Armagh?

Who cares? It's in indigenous sport and there's no national team.

thehighground wrote: »

It doesn't mean just yet that we are going to start having to segregating fans though like soccer.

I'm not saying it does. I'm saying that it's hypocritical to go out of your way to support any team that plays against Leinster/Munster and then to profess to be an Ireland supporter.

thehighground

NickNolte wrote: »

Who cares? It's in indigenous sport and there's no national team.

You turning up your nose at Ireland's indigenous sport then? And there is a national team. Probably a better analagy would be that Clare might be quite happy if Kilkenny beat Cork in the All Ireland, although both Clare & Cork are in Munster, but would be closer because there is regular competition/bragging rights within Munster. All depends what country/province/competition you play your GAA in really. Just like rugby. Leinster has now become one of the elite European Clubs - so you better get used to people disliking you.

I'm not saying it does. I'm saying that it's hypocritical to go out of your way to support any team that plays against Leinster/Munster and then to profess to be an Ireland supporter.

You come across as being fairly dismissive of Ireland's cultural heritage here. As a true Irishman, surely you would respect that.

NickNolte

thehighground wrote: »

You turning up your nose at Ireland's indigenous sport then?

No. I was simply stating that your comparison was completely ludicrous. Very little between the ears there.

thehighground wrote: »

Probably a better analagy would be...

No. Another dreadful one.

thehighground wrote: »

Leinster has now become one of the elite European Clubs - so you better get used to people disliking you.

It doesn't bother me really. But I'm within my rights to think that these people are idiots. 'Hating' a sports team? Pathetic... and hardly sporting.

thehighground wrote: »

You come across as being fairly dismissive of Ireland's cultural heritage here.

Wow. Just wow. What a stupid, baseless thing to say.

walshb

The win was a win for Irish rugby, no matter where in Ireland you are from!
I hope that all Ireland was cheering for Leinster!

I'm doubting some in Ulster were though!

Ginger

Shouted for Leinster .. was hoping to see them win it, tho being very honest I was doubtful before the start but was very pleasently surprised.

Great win, sets up some more great matches next year...

troy

I think most of the analogies used here are flawed because none of them introduce an international element (no NI debates please). The fact that you have an irish team playing a team from another country should be enough to set aside any petty differences, and roll in behind your own.

P.S. What about the sharp ones who went wearing Irish jerseys, did they not cop that Leicester play in green!!!!

NickNolte

walshb wrote: »

I'm doubting some in Ulster were though!

? I'm pretty sure that most Ulster Rugby fans were cheering for Leinster. Having met plenty of them over the years, they're great fans, very sporting and love their rugby. I'm sure there were a couple of sectarian-minded bigots north of the border who wanted Leinster to lose but I wouldn't lose any sleep over that to be honest; they'd be in the tiny minority and wouldn't be traditional rugby followers.

walshb

NickNolte wrote: »

? I'm sure there were a couple of sectarian-minded bigots north of the border who wanted Leinster to lose but I wouldn't lose any sleep over that to be honest; they'd be in the tiny minority and wouldn't be traditional rugby followers.

They're the ones I am on about, and the Unionists in general would NOT
have been cheering for Leinster!

NickNolte

walshb wrote: »

They're the ones I am on about, and the Unionists in general would NOT
have been cheering for Leinster!

Ah well. Who cares?

fizzgig

Ive been reading and reading all these threads about whether or not Munster will be shouting/or shouted for Leinster in the Final.. maybe its been said already, but i had to log in and say the following :

Why are Leinster fans so preoccupied about who we shout for at all !!!
Cant ye just be secure in the knowledge that your fans will shout for Leinster and be done with it. Talk about chips on the shoulder.

Its never been a cause of concern down here in Limerick.

We know we have enough support for our team and that will keep us safe and happy !!

Btw, i did shout for ye... of course any Ireland rugby supporter would..

Just get on with it and enjoy the cup for gods sake ;o)

NickNolte

fizzgig wrote: »

Ive been reading and reading all these threads about whether or not Munster will be shouting/or shouted for Leinster in the Final.. maybe its been said already, but i had to log in and say the following :

Why are Leinster fans so preoccupied about who we shout for at all !!!
Cant ye just be secure in the knowledge that your fans will shout for Leinster and be done with it. Talk about chips on the shoulder.

Its never been a cause of concern down here in Limerick.

We know we have enough support for our team and that will keep us safe and happy !!

Btw, i did shout for ye... of course any Ireland rugby supporter would..

Just get on with it and enjoy the cup for gods sake ;o)

It's just a discussion. Get off your high horse.

gcgirl

NickNolte wrote: »

It's called the soccerisation of rugby. Newbies just don't get it.

totally my point you have these new people supporting like i am all for getting more people playing and enjoying the game but thats one thing i don't like is not being able to bring the kids to a match when there is agro! I love having a bit of banter with other fans but this element is sadly creeping in !

walshb

NickNolte wrote: »

It's just a discussion. Get off your high horse.

I agree, it is just a discussion or conversation. I don't think anyone is
getting all hot headed about it!

fizzgig

Im not getting hot headed, nor have i mounted any high horse.

Just making my point is all.. thought thats what discussions where for

NickNolte

walshb wrote: »

I agree, it is just a discussion or conversation. I don't think anyone is
getting all hot headed about it!

I know but to suggest that Leinster fans are 'insecure' or love starved is completely missing the point. The fact of the matter is that if inter-provincial rivalry has become so bitter that Munster or Leinster fans will support any team that plays against their rivals then how can they possibly be expected to be taken seriously when supporting Ireland? The simple answer is... they can't be taken seriously. It's hypocritical and downright cringeworthy to be honest. One minute you're calling for the heads of the X number of Leinster players on the Ireland squad, the next you're cheering them on. It's a myopic, senseless tribalism of the most embarrassing kind.

I support Munster when they're playing against the likes of Leicester, Biarritz, etc. because it really doesn't make sense not to, as an Ireland supporter.

walshb

fizzgig wrote: »

Im not getting hot headed, nor have i mounted any high horse.

Just making my point is all.. thought thats what discussions where for

Well, your post above seemed quite exasperated. I'm from Leinster and I am sure enjoying the success as I am sure you are, being from Munster. I cheered every bit as much for Munster as I did for Leinster. The only thing that separates us is geography.

walshb

NickNolte wrote: »

I know but to suggest that Leinster fans are 'insecure' or love starved is completely missing the point. The fact of the matter is that if inter-provincial rivalry has become so bitter that Munster or Leinster fans will support any team that plays against their rivals then how can they possibly be expected to be taken seriously when supporting Ireland? The simple answer is... they can't be taken seriously. It's hypocritical and downright cringeworthy to be honest. One minute you're calling for the heads of the X number of Leinster players on the Ireland squad, the next you're cheering them on. It's a myopic, senseless tribalism of the most embarrassing kind.

I support Munster when they're playing against the likes of Leicester, Biarritz, etc. because it really doesn't make sense not to, as an Ireland supporter.

And very similar to the moronic mentality in soccer where we have Irish people raving and cheering English soccer teams and English players and the second those same players don an English jersey, they are booed and jeered. It's a moronic mentality that
unfortunately spills into sport rivalry!

I don't support English soccer all that much, but after Ireland, I would have no problem wanting or seeing England do well!

fizzgig

Sorry if i did come across rather exasperated, thats what happens if you read too many posts without taking part in the discussion before i think.

Well Done Leinster - deserving Heinekin Cup winners ;o)

Tim Robbins

walshb wrote: »

They're the ones I am on about, and the Unionists in general would NOT
have been cheering for Leinster!

A load of nonsense. Ulster fans were great at the weekend. The only bitterness I came across was from Munster fans and it was only about 50% of them.
50% were sound. Respected Leinster and were generally good craic in the pubs etc.

walshb

Tim Robbins wrote: »

A load of nonsense. Ulster fans were great at the weekend. The only bitterness I came across was from Munster fans and it was only about 50% of them.
50% were sound. Respected Leinster and were generally good craic in the pubs etc.

Missing my point. I never said that Ulster fans would not cheer for
Leinster. I am sure there were many; I am saying that I bet NONE
who were Loyalist or Unionist would be wishing an Irish
province in the South success.

So, any Irish nationalist person from Ulster would more
than likely have been cheering for Leinster, but I doubt the Unionist
camp were!

RuggieBear

No more about politics please.

sm.org

walshb wrote: »

Missing my point. I never said that Ulster fans would not cheer for
Leinster. I am sure there were many; I am saying that I bet NONE
who were Loyalist or Unionist would be wishing an Irish
province in the South success.

So, any Irish nationalist person from Ulster would more
than likely have been cheering for Leinster, but I doubt the Unionist
camp were!

Why are you bringing this crap onto the forum.

Go sit on the naughty chair

walshb

You gotta' love censorship!

Anyway, I suppose the whole point is
similar to the "Irish" soccer team in the North.

Most of those who support it would never
cheer for an Irish soccer team in the South!

RuggieBear

don't post again walshb

crisco10

Tim Robbins wrote: »

A load of nonsense. Ulster fans were great at the weekend. The only bitterness I came across was from Munster fans and it was only about 50% of them.
50% were sound. Respected Leinster and were generally good craic in the pubs etc.

i think 50% is a bit low tbh. Was in Edinburgh and 95% of munster lads were great.

Mr-McBain

Just back from Edinburgh and I have to say that the attitude of the Munster fans towards Leinster was exemplary for the most part. There were a few fans making the odd anti leinster snipe but on the flip side there were equally the same amount of muppets from Leinster. The amount of red jerseys was slightly cringe worthy but they were entitled to be there as much as the next person. Sure I had a cousin over from France wearing his Stade Francais jersey for which I nearly b**** slapped him (hideous looking thing). Some local aul lad came up to me and said "Hey laddie, whats the deal here, is there a double header on today or something. I was talking to a bunch of Munster fans after the game and they were wearing their Ireland jerseys. They said that the amount of fans in red was ridiculous and they were just out to blatently try and hijack the event. I personally thought that was slightly harsh but I did see where he was coming from I suppose. I say just pick a side and get behind them. If you don't have the colours then wear civvies.

ironingbored

I find it disappointing to find Munster fans supporting an English team (especially Leiecester) over Leinster.

To see Ireland lifting the 6 Nations Trophy having been guided by Leinster's Brian O'Driscoll and Munster's Paul OConnell was fantastic. The mutual respect demonstrated was admirable. POC spoke about putting your body on the line for your fellow Irishmen although wanting nothing better than to hammer them when playing for your club.

This is the mentality that should prevail, I think, amongst the fans. I feel that Leinster would never have won yesterday without Munster and vice versa in 2006/2008. Munster showed Leinster the type of qualities needed to win a HC while surely the "us against them" mindset of Munster (fuelled in part no doubt by the attitude of the D4 brigade in the past) went some way to helping Munster develop the edge that allowed them win an unprecedented HC double for an Irish team.

Provincial rivalry both amongst the players and the fans will without a shadow of a doubt make Ireland a better team and encourage more young people into the game. However, it is equally important that the praiseworthy ethos of respect for your opponent prevalent in the game is also imbued in new arrivals to the sport.