Munster Rugby

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nickname(s) The Red Army
Founded 1879 (1879)
Location Munster, Ireland
Ground(s) Thomond Park
(Capacity: 25,600)
Musgrave Park
(Capacity: 9,251)
Captain(s) Peter O'Mahony[1]
Most appearances Ronan O'Gara (240)
Top scorer Ronan O'Gara (2,625)
Most tries Anthony Horgan (41)
League(s) Pro 12
2012–13 6th
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 Ireland. They compete in the RaboDirect Pro12 and the Heineken 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.[2] Their main home ground is Thomond Park, Limerick, though some smaller profile games are played at Musgrave Park, Cork. Munster currently play in a red and blue home strip, while the away strip is black and red. 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".

Munster is known for its passionate support and games involving Munster hold several Heineken Cup records for highest attendances in every stage of the finals, as well as the highest ever attendance for a rugby game in both Spain and Switzerland.

In 2008, Director of Coaching Declan Kidney left to take up the head coach job with Ireland, and Munster ensured continuity by promoting Australian Tony McGahan to the position from within the coaching setup. It was announced on 22 February 2012 that McGahan would be leaving Munster at the end of the 2011–12 season,[3][4][5] to take up a role of coaching co-ordinator on Australia's management team.[6] 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.[7] 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.[8]

As of the end of the 2012/13 season, Munster are sixth in the ERC European Rankings with 22 points, behind Biarritz (5th, 24 points), ASM Clermont Auvergne (4th, 25 points), Toulouse (3rd, 26 points), Toulon (2nd, 26 points) and Leinster (1st, 35 points).[9]

Heineken Cup, Challenge Cup and Celtic League

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.

Munster's first appearance in the competition's final was in the 1999-00 Heineken Cup, where they lost by one point to Northampton at Twickenham. Nevertheless, the season was most memorable with a fantastic 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 a 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 secured an impressive position of second in the 2004/05 season of the Celtic League.

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 for Munster, as they lost their previously unbeaten European record at Thomond Park, going down 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.

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 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 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.[10]

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.[11]

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.[12][13]

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.[14] In their second pool game, Munster beat Castres 24–27, with O'Gara again scoring an overtime drop-goal to secure victory.[15] Munster won their third pool game, away to Scarlets, 14–17.[16] In the return fixture a week later, Munster won 19–13.[17] A 26–10 win over Castres on 14 January 2012 ensured that Munster qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2011–12 Heineken Cup.[18] 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.[19] Munster lost their quarter-final against Ulster 16–22, losing just their second match at home in the Heineken Cup.[20] Munster finished third in the 2011–12 RaboDirect Pro12 season, and played Ospreys away in the play-off semi-finals, losing 45–10.[21]

Munster were again drawn in Pool One for the 2012–13 Heineken Cup, with Saracens F.C., Edinburgh Rugby and Racing Métro 92.[22] The campaign opened with a 22–17 away defeat at the hands of Racing Métro 92.[23] Munster won their second game, at home to Edinburgh, 33–0.[24] The December back-to-back games began with a home fixture against Saracens, which Munster won 15–9.[25] In the reverse fixture, Munster lost 19–13.[26] In the fifth round of pool fixtures, Munster beat Edinburgh 17-26.[27] 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 5 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.[28] Munster won the quarter-final 12-18,[29] advancing to the semi-final, which they lost 16-10 to Clermont Auvergne on 27 April 2013.[30] Munster finished sixth in the 2012-13 Pro 12 league.[31]

Munster were drawn in Pool 6 for the 2013-14 Heineken Cup, alongside USA Perpignan, Edinburgh Rugby and Gloucester Rugby.[32] Edinburgh beat Munster 29-23 in the opening pool fixture on 12 October 2013.[33] In their second pool game on 19 October 2013, Munster beat Gloucester 26-10.[34] Munster beat Perpignan 36-8 in Round 3.[35] In the Round 4 reverse fixture on 14 December 2013, Munster won 17-18 at Perpignan.[36] Munster beat Gloucester 7-20 at Kingsholm on 11 January 2014, a win that secured quarter-final qualification.[37] Munster beat Edinburgh 38-6 on 19 January 2014 in Round 6, a bonus-point win that secured a home quarter-final.[38]

Current standings

Pro 12

Pro 12 Table
Club Played Won Drawn Lost Points For Points Against Points Difference Tries For Tries Against Try Bonus Losing Bonus Points
1 Ireland Munster 13 11 0 2 323 201 +122 31 13 4 0 48
2 Ireland Leinster 13 9 1 3 294 203 +91 28 18 4 3 45
3 Ireland Ulster 13 9 0 4 254 177 +77 23 15 3 2 41
4 Wales Ospreys 13 8 1 4 300 226 +74 28 16 3 3 40
5 Scotland Glasgow Warriors 11 9 0 2 177 148 +29 16 7 0 1 37
6 Wales Scarlets 13 5 1 7 240 259 −19 22 25 1 5 28
7 Wales Newport Gwent Dragons 12 5 0 7 209 210 −1 15 15 0 4 24
8 Scotland Edinburgh 11 5 0 6 202 255 −53 18 27 1 1 22
9 Wales Cardiff Blues 13 4 1 8 253 328 −75 15 30 0 4 22
10 Italy Benetton Treviso 12 3 1 8 231 258 −27 18 29 0 5 19
11 Italy Zebre 13 2 1 10 204 313 −109 19 28 0 4 14
12 Ireland Connacht 13 2 0 11 171 280 −109 14 24 0 5 13

If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[39]

  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. the fewest number of yellow cards received.
Green background (rows 1 to 4) are play-off places. Qualification for the Heineken Cup is based on each country's allocation, i.e. three highest–ranked Irish teams, three highest–ranked Welsh teams, both Italian teams and both Scottish teams. Updated 9 February 2014. Source: RaboDirect PRO12

    Heineken Cup

    Team P W D L PF PA Diff TF TA TB LB Pts
    Ireland Munster 6 5 0 1 161 77 +84 19 6 2 1 23
    England Gloucester 6 3 0 3 113 114 -1 13 10 1 1 14
    Scotland Edinburgh 6 3 0 3 104 141 −37 10 17 0 0 12
    France Perpignan 6 1 0 5 112 158 −46 10 19 1 2 7

    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.

    First victory over a touring side

    Munster was 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

    Main article: History of rugby union matches between Munster and New Zealand

    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.[40] 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.[41]

    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.[42]

    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.[43]

    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

    Colours and crest

    Flag 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.[44] The crest was designed to maintain the three crowns, and the new red stag symbolises strength and competitiveness.[44] The decision for change was a product of two years of planning of research and design.[44] Elements of navy were also introduced into mainly red Munster jersey. The current kit consists of a red shirt with navy blue trimming, white shorts and red socks. The kit is made by Adidas, who replaced Canterbury of New Zealand, in a deal covering kit supply for three seasons. The name of Munster's title sponsors, appears on their shirt. It was announced on 21 May 2013 that Bank of Ireland would be replacing Toyota as Munster's sponsor.[45] The counties of Munster are listed in white on white, on the collar of the new jersey. "Official Retail Site". Retrieved 18 October 2013. 

    Home grounds

    Thomond Park

    Munster have two main stadia where they play their home matches – Thomond Park in Limerick and Musgrave Park in Cork. Thomond Park is the bigger of the two, with a capacity of around 27,000, while Musgrave holds 8,300. 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[46] – its noise during play and complete silence when a player (home and away) is kicking at goal. It is also famous for Munster's intimidating record that it held for over a decade – having never been beaten at home during the Heineken Cup.[47] However the record was broken during the 2006–07 season when they were defeated by the Leicester Tigers.[47] 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.[48] The new stadium design was well received and won the Public Choice Award for 2009 from the Irish Architecture Foundation.[49] A long discussion and consultation on the new name concluded with the decision that the name would remain Thomond Park.[50]

    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 some fans were willing to go to secure tickets to the game. Some Munster fans travelled to Biarritz to buy up the French allocation of tickets.[51] 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 in excess of 55–65,000 were Munster fans[52] 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.[53]

    Munster have played in the most-attended semi-final match of the Heineken Cup ever, the 2009 Semi-final v Leinster, Croke Park, Dublin – 82,208 (also the then largest crowd ever to attend any club rugby union match until that record was broken in the Saracens – Harlequins league game in 2012)[54]

    Munster's appearance in the 2002 final against Leicester Tigers at the Millennium Stadium, which drew 74,600, was the record attendance for a Heineken Cup Final[55] until the 2007 final between Leicester and London Wasps at the newly expanded Twickenham, although it is estimated that as many as 10,000 Munster fans attended this game, having bought tickets before Munster were knocked out of the competition. Munster's 2005 quarter-final against Biarritz Olympique in Estadio Anoeta, played as it was across the border in San Sebastián, with an attendance of 32,000 also set the record for the biggest rugby match ever played in Spain.[56] Their October 2006 Celtic League game against Leinster at Lansdowne Road beat the record for that competition with an attendance of 27,252.[57] 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.[58]

    On 2 October 2010, Munster played Leinster in the 5th round of the Celtic League at the Aviva Stadium, this set a new crowd attendance record for a Celtic League game at 50,645.[59]

    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 famously sang The Black Velvet Band to the Ospreys' Irish winger Tommy Bowe during their 2009 Heineken Cup quarter final encounter.[60] Tommy Bowe sang this song at the official reception for the 2009 Grand Slam winning Ireland rugby team.

    Munster Rugby is unusual in the aspect that it has given two words 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. Also, the term "Mullocker", used to describe an unrefined forward, has its origins amongst the dockers who worked on a casual basis for the Limerick docking firm, Mullock & Sons.

    Munster A

    Munster A is the team that represents Munster in the British & Irish Cup and in the All Ireland Inter-provincial Championship.[61] 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.[62]

    Having been beaten finalists in the 2009-10 British and Irish Cup, losing 23–14 to Cornish Pirates,[63] 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 Musgrave Park, Cork.[64]

    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 58
    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

    Heineken 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
    1999–2000 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 - Toulouse

    Senior Squad 2013-14

    Coaching & Management Staff 2013–14

    The Munster Coaching and Management staff for the 2013–14 season.[68]

    Position Name Nationality
    Head Coach Rob Penney[7]  New Zealand
    Team Manager Niall O'Donovan[69]  Ireland
    Forwards Coach Anthony Foley  Ireland
    Backs Coach Simon Mannix[70]  New Zealand
    Skills Coach Ian Costello  Ireland
    Head of Fitness Adam Trypas[71]  Australia
    Strength & Conditioning Coach Aidan O'Connell  Ireland
    Conditioning Assistant Will Douglas  Wales
    Strength & Rehab Coach Aled Walters  Wales
    Head of Physiotherapy Anthony Coole  South Africa
    Physiotherapist Colm Fuller  Ireland
    Rehab Physiotherapist Colm Oakley  Ireland
    Performance Analyst George Murray  Ireland
    Asst. Performance Analyst Elliot Corcoran  Ireland
    Kit Manager Jack Kiely  Ireland
    Operations Manager Bryan Murphy  Ireland

    Senior Playing Squad 2013–14

    The Munster Senior Squad for the 2013–2014 season.[72] Note: Flags indicate national union as has been defined under IRB eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-IRB nationality.

    Player Position Union
    Duncan Casey Hooker Ireland Ireland
    Niall Scannell Hooker Ireland Ireland
    Mike Sherry Hooker Ireland Ireland
    Damien Varley Hooker Ireland Ireland
    Stephen Archer Prop Ireland Ireland
    BJ Botha Prop South Africa South Africa
    Alan Cotter Prop Ireland Ireland
    James Cronin Prop Ireland Ireland
    David Kilcoyne Prop Ireland Ireland
    John Ryan Prop Ireland Ireland
    Dave Foley Lock Ireland Ireland
    Billy Holland Lock Ireland Ireland
    Ian Nagle Lock Ireland Ireland
    Donncha O'Callaghan Lock Ireland Ireland
    Paul O'Connell Lock Ireland Ireland
    Donnacha Ryan Lock Ireland Ireland
    Sean Dougall Flanker Ireland Ireland
    Dave O'Callaghan Flanker Ireland Ireland
    Tommy O'Donnell Flanker Ireland Ireland
    Barry O'Mahony Flanker Ireland Ireland
    Peter O’Mahony Flanker Ireland Ireland
    Niall Ronan Flanker Ireland Ireland
    CJ Stander Flanker South Africa South Africa
    Patrick Butler Number 8 Ireland Ireland
    James Coughlan Number 8 Ireland Ireland
    Player Position Union
    Gerry Hurley Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
    Conor Murray Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
    Cathal Sheridan Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
    Duncan Williams Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
    JJ Hanrahan Fly-half Ireland Ireland
    Ian Keatley Fly-half Ireland Ireland
    Cian Bohane Centre Ireland Ireland
    Ivan Dineen Centre Ireland Ireland
    James Downey Centre Ireland Ireland
    Keith Earls Centre Ireland Ireland
    Casey Laulala Centre New Zealand New Zealand
    Andrew Conway Wing Ireland Ireland
    Johne Murphy Wing Ireland Ireland
    Luke O'Dea Wing Ireland Ireland
    Ronan O'Mahony Wing Ireland Ireland
    Gerhard van den Heever Wing South Africa South Africa
    Simon Zebo Wing Ireland Ireland
    Denis Hurley Fullback Ireland Ireland
    Felix Jones Fullback Ireland Ireland

    Internationally capped players in bold. Players qualified to play for Ireland on residency or dual nationality. *

    Senior Players in (Season 2013/14)

    Senior Players out (Season 2013/14)

    Senior Players in (Season 2014/15)

    Senior Players out (Season 2014/15)

    Academy Squad 2013-14

    Coaching & Management Staff 2013-14

    The Munster Academy Coaching and Management staff for the 2013–14 season.[87]

    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
    Sub-Academy Strength & Conditioning Coach Gordon Brett  Ireland
    Sub-Academy Strength & Conditioning Coach PJ Wilson  Ireland
    Physio Patrick Hanley  Ireland
    Physio Damien Mordan  Ireland
    Video Analysis Elliot Corcoran  Ireland

    Academy Playing Squad 2013–14

    The Munster Academy for the 2013–2014 season. Peter Malone will have charge of the squad.[88][89] Note: Flags indicate national union as has been defined under IRB eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-IRB nationality.

    Player Position Union
    Rory Burke Prop Ireland Ireland year 1
    Niall Horan Prop Ireland Ireland year 1
    John Madigan Lock Ireland Ireland year 1
    Sean McCarthy Lock Ireland Ireland year 1
    Darren O'Shea Lock Ireland Ireland year 1
    Shane Buckley Flanker Ireland Ireland year 3
    Ryan Murphy Number 8 Ireland Ireland year 2
    Jack O'Donoghue Number 8 Ireland Ireland year 2
    Player Position Union
    Jack Cullen Scrum-half Ireland Ireland year 1
    Brian Haugh Scrum-half Ireland Ireland year 2
    Jonathan Holland Fly-half Ireland Ireland year 2
    Gearoid Lyons Fly-half Ireland Ireland year 1
    Niall Kenneally Centre Ireland Ireland year 1
    Harry McNulty Centre Ireland Ireland year 2
    Rory Scannell Centre Ireland Ireland year 1
    Greg O'Shea Wing Ireland Ireland year 1
    Alex Wootton Wing Ireland Ireland year 1
    David Johnston Fullback Ireland Ireland year 1
    Darren Moroney Fullback Ireland Ireland year 2
    Darren Sweetnam Fullback Ireland Ireland year 2

    Academy Players in (Season 2013/14)

    • Rory Burke joining the Academy
    • Niall Horan joining the Academy[87]
    • John Madigan joining the Academy
    • Sean McCarthy joining the Academy
    • Darren O'Shea joining the Academy
    • Jack Cullen joining the Academy
    • Gearoid Lyons joining the Academy
    • Niall Kenneally joining the Academy
    • Rory Scannell joining the Academy
    • Alex Wootton joining the Academy
    • Greg O'Shea joining the Academy
    • David Johnston joining the Academy

    Academy Players out (Season 2013/14)

    Notable players

    British and Irish Lions

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

    The '200' Club

    Players who have reached the 200 caps mark for Munster.

    Overseas Players

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

    Individual Records

    (correct as of 20 January 2014)

    Heineken Cup

    Celtic League

    Bold indicates highest overall record.

    ERC Elite Awards

    • Team Award (50 Heineken Cup matches): Ireland Munster Rugby (136)

    ERC Player Awards

    ERC15 European Player Award

    An award to recognise the best European player in the Heineken Cup from 1995-2010.

    ERC European Dream Team

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

    PRO12 Team of the Year

    See also

    • Category:Munster Rugby players

    References

    1. ↑ "O'Mahony Named Squad Captain". munsterrugby.ie. 30 July 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2013. 
    2. ↑ Thornley, Gerry. "Munster Rugby". The Irish Times. 
    3. ↑ "Tony McGahan set to leave Munster for Australia at end of season". BBC Sport. 22 February 2012. Retrieved 22 February 2012. 
    4. ↑ "Munster to lose McGahan". irishexaminer.com. 22 February 2012. Retrieved 22 February 2012. 
    5. ↑ "McGahan to quit as Munster coach". planetrugby.com. 22 February 2012. Retrieved 22 February 2012. 
    6. ↑ Fallon, John (23 March 2012). "McGahan excited about Wallaby role". irishtimes.com. Retrieved 30 March 2012. 
    7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Penney Appointed". munsterrugby.ie. 2 May 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2012. 
    8. ↑ "Move Confirmed For Coaching Duo". munsterrugby.ie. 6 February 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2014. 
    9. ↑ "ERC European Rankings (May 2013 post-finals)". ercrugby.com. Retrieved 24 May 2013. 
    10. ↑ "Ospreys 27–18 Dragons". BBC Sport. 30 April 2009. Retrieved 30 April 2009. 
    11. ↑ Farrelly, Hugh (17 January 2011). "Munster's epic ends as tragedy". Irish Independent. Retrieved 17 January 2011. 
    12. ↑ "Munster 19–9 Leinster". BBC Sport. 30 May 2011. Retrieved 30 May 2011. 
    13. ↑ Thornley, Gerry (30 May 2011). "Munster close out season in grand style". Irish Times. Retrieved 30 May 2011. 
    14. ↑ "Cometh The Hour, Cometh The Men". munsterrugby.ie. 13 November 2011. Retrieved 13 November 2011. 
    15. ↑ "Same Again Thanks Rog". munsterrugby.ie. 20 November 2011. Retrieved 20 November 2011. 
    16. ↑ "Set-Piece & Defence Gives Munster The Edge". munsterrugby.ie. 11 December 2011. Retrieved 11 December 2011. 
    17. ↑ "Munster Complete The Scarlets Job". munsterrugby.ie. 19 December 2011. Retrieved 20 December 2011. 
    18. ↑ "Fifth Successive Win Sees Munster Through". munsterrugby.ie. 15 January 2012. Retrieved 15 January 2012. 
    19. ↑ "Munster Close The Deal". munsterrugby.ie. 22 January 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2012. 
    20. ↑ "Heartbreak For Munster". munsterrugby.ie. 8 April 2012. Retrieved 22 April 2012. 
    21. ↑ "No Consolation Of Any Sort In This Result". munsterrugby..ie. 12 May 2012. Retrieved 13 May 2012. 
    22. ↑ "Heineken Cup Pools 2012/2013". munsterrugby.ie. 13 June 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2012. 
    23. ↑ "Munster Have To Settle For Losing Bonus". munsterrugby.ie. 13 October 2012. Retrieved 21 October 2012. 
    24. ↑ "End Game Earns Bonus". munsterrugby.ie. 22 October 2012. Retrieved 17 November 2012. 
    25. ↑ "Munster Show Their Gritty Side". munsterrugby.ie. 10 December 2012. Retrieved 12 December 2012. 
    26. ↑ "Munster Lose After Epic Battle". munsterrugby.ie. 17 December 2012. Retrieved 17 December 2012. 
    27. ↑ "Munster Win In Murrayfield". munsterrugby.ie. 13 January 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2013. 
    28. ↑ "Munster Go Through". munsterrugby.ie. 21 January 2013. Retrieved 21 January 2013. 
    29. ↑ "Alone They Stand". munsterrugby.ie. 8 April 2013. Retrieved 8 April 2013. 
    30. ↑ "Munster Lose A Game Of Two Halves". munsterugby.ie. 28 April 2013. Retrieved 29 April 2013. 
    31. ↑ "2012-13 RaboDirect PRO12 League Table". munsterrugby.ie. Retrieved 10 May 2013. 
    32. ↑ "Munster In Pool 6". munsterrugby.ie. 5 June 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013. 
    33. ↑ "Disappointing Defeat In Murrayfield". munsterrugby.ie. 12 October 2013. Retrieved 19 October 2013. 
    34. ↑ "Heineken Cup Win In Thomond Park". munsterrugby.ie. 19 October 2013. Retrieved 3 November 2013. 
    35. ↑ "Munster Top Of Group After Bonus-Point Win". munsterrugby.ie. 8 December 2013. Retrieved 8 December 2013. 
    36. ↑ "Munster Claim Last-Gasp Win In Perpignan". munsterrugby.ie. 14 December 2013. Retrieved 14 December 2013. 
    37. ↑ "Quarter Final Place Secured". munsterrugby.ie. 12 January 2014. Retrieved 12 January 2014. 
    38. ↑ "Bonus-Point Munster Move Into Home Quarters". munsterrugby.ie. 19 January 2014. Retrieved 19 January 2014. 
    39. ↑ Competition Rule 3.5 "Summary of Key Rules". Pro 12. Retrieved 13 November 2013. 
    40. ↑ Bates, Rupert (21 May 2006). "Munster savour slice of heaven". The Daily Telegraph (London). 
    41. ↑ Gallagher, Brendan (17 November 2008). "Munster's historic 1978 victory over mighty All Blacks proved a defining moment". The Daily Telegraph (London). 
    42. ↑ "Alone they sit and recall putting mighty Blacks to flight". The Irish Times. 
    43. ↑ "Class of 2010 Excel". munsterrugby.ie. 17 November 2010. Retrieved 3 February 2013. 
    44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 44.2 Simon Lewis (3 July 2003). "New Munster kit and logo to save revenue, not exploit fans". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 13 March 2007. 
    45. ↑ "Multi-million euro boost for Munster after Bank of Ireland secured as new sponsor". independent.ie. 21 May 2013. Retrieved 21 May 2013. 
    46. ↑ "Details for Thomond Park, Limerick". Worldstadia.com. Retrieved 13 March 2007. 
    47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 "Tigers storm Thomond Park". European Rugby Cup. Archived from the original on 18 February 2007. Retrieved 13 March 2007. 
    48. ↑ "Munster aim to start work in March". Thomond Park. Retrieved 13 March 2007. 
    49. ↑
    50. ↑ "Thomond to keep it's name". Ireland.com. Retrieved 15 June 2008. 
    51. ↑ "Hunt for Cup Final tickets heats up". The Irish Post. Retrieved 13 March 2007. 
    52. ↑ Kevin McDonnell (21 May 2006). "Munster fans". Sunday Mirror. Retrieved 31 January 2007. 
    53. ↑ "Munster Rugby USA". Munster Rugby. Archived from the original on 9 March 2007. Retrieved 13 March 2007. 
    54. ↑ "Match Report: Munster v Leinster". European Rugby Cup. 2 May 2009. Retrieved 2 May 2009. 
    55. ↑ "The seventh Heineken Cup final". European Rugby Cup. Retrieved 13 March 2007. 
    56. ↑ "Biarritz Move Into Final Four". European Rugby Cup. Archived from the original on 25 November 2006. Retrieved 13 March 2007. 
    57. ↑ "Leinster 27–20 Munster". BBC Sport. 6 October 2006. Retrieved 13 March 2007. 
    58. ↑ Stokes, Jim (22 December 2006). "The final curtain". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 March 2007. 
    59. ↑ "Leinster overcome Munster in front of record crowd". Magners League. 2 October 2010. Retrieved 2 October 2010. 
    60. ↑ Keane, Billy. "Myopic Munster fans a blight on old rivalry". Irish Independent. Retrieved 22 April 2008. 
    61. ↑ "Munster Rugby : Rugby : Results & Fixtures : Munster 'A' Fixtures". Munsterrugby.ie. 2012-11-27. Retrieved 2013-08-14. 
    62. ↑
    63. ↑ "British & Irish Cup Defeat". munsterrugby.ie. 16 May 2010. Retrieved 29 April 2012. 
    64. ↑ "Munster Prove Too Strong". munsterrugby.ie. 27 April 2012. Retrieved 29 April 2012. 
    65. ↑ "Celtic Cup Glory". munsterrugby.ie. 14 May 2005. Retrieved 23 January 2012. 
    66. ↑ "Munster Claim Setanta Challenge Cup". munsterrugby.ie. 27 August 2007. 
    67. ↑ "Munster Retain The Setanta Cup". munsterrugby.ie. 31 August 2008. 
    68. ↑ "Coaching & Management Staff". munsterrugby.ie. Retrieved 22 December 2013. 
    69. ↑ "O'Donovan Looks The Perfect Fit". munsterrugby.ie. 13 June 2012. 
    70. ↑ "Mannix The New Backs Coach". munsterrugby.ie. 30 May 2012. Retrieved 30 May 2012. 
    71. ↑ "In Pics: Munster Training In UL". munsterrugby.ie. 8 January 2014. Retrieved 8 January 2013. 
    72. ↑ "Munster Squad 2013-2014". munsterrugby.ie. Retrieved 22 December 2013. 
    73. ↑ "Hurley Back On Board". munsterrugby.ie. 19 July 2013. Retrieved 20 July 2013. 
    74. ↑ "Contract News". munsterrugby.ie. 3 April 2013. Retrieved 7 April 2013. 
    75. ↑ "Conway Switches To Munster". munsterrugby.ie. 25 January 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2013. 
    76. ↑ "Munster Confirm Van Den Heever Signing". munsterrugby.ie. 22 July 2013. Retrieved 22 July 2013. 
    77. ↑ "Archer & Keatley Extend Their Contracts". munsterrugby.ie. 22 January 2013. Retrieved 22 January 2013. 
    78. ↑ "Horan To Call It A Day". munsterrugby.ie. 11 April 2013. Retrieved 11 April 2013. 
    79. ↑ "Ex-Bok prop back at Cheetahs". sport24.co.za. 7 June 2013. Retrieved 7 June 2013. 
    80. ↑ "Peter Stringer: Bath to sign Munster scrum-half next season". BBC Sport. 9 April 2013. Retrieved 9 April 2013. 
    81. ↑ "O'Gara Confirms Retirement". munsterrugby.ie. 18 May 2013. Retrieved 18 May 2013. 
    82. ↑ "Barnes Moves To Newcastle". munsterrugby.ie. 4 June 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013. 
    83. ↑ "Injury Forces Howlett To Retire". munsterrugby.ie. 14 May 2013. Retrieved 14 May 2013. 
    84. ↑ "Contract News". munsterrugby.ie. 3 April 2013. Retrieved 14 May 2013. 
    85. ↑ "Copeland Coup For Munster". munsterrugby.ie. 9 December 2013. Retrieved 10 December 2013. 
    86. ↑ "Laulala Move Confirmed". munsterrugby.ie. 15 December 2013. Retrieved 16 December 2013. 
    87. ↑ 87.0 87.1 87.2 "Nine Players To Join Academy Ranks". munsterrugby.ie. 24 May 2013. Retrieved 24 May 2013. 
    88. ↑ "Munster Academy squad 2013-14". munsterrugby.ie. Retrieved 22 December 2013. 
    89. ↑ "Three New Signings For Academy". munsterrugby.ie. 6 November 2013. Retrieved 7 November 2013. 
    90. ↑ "Connacht sign hooker James Rael from Munster". independent.ie. 16 April 2013. Retrieved 17 April 2013. 
    91. ↑ "Fogarty's fine French season recognised". irishexaminer.com. 22 May 2013. Retrieved 22 May 2013. 
    92. ↑ "Corey Hircock returns to Bedford Blues from Munster". skysports.com. 5 May 2013. Retrieved 5 May 2013. 
    93. ↑ The Ireland Rugby Miscellany (2007): Ciaran Cronin
    94. ↑ "Munster Lions". Munster Lions. Retrieved 2013-08-14. 

    Further reading

    • English, A, (2005) Stand Up and Fight: When Munster Beats the All Blacks, Random House, London
    • English, A, (2006) Munster: Our Road to Glory, Penguin Ireland, Dublin
    • Murphy, E, (2006) Munster Rugby: The Secret of Their Success, Maverick House Publishers, Dublin
    • Cronin, C, (2006) Beyond Our Wildest Dreams: Munster's Heineken Cup Odyssey, Tuatha Mumhan Books
    • Irish Examiner, (2008) Munster: Champions of Europe, Gill & Macmillian Ltd, Dublin
    • Coughlan, B, (2009) Rags to Riches: The Story of Munster Rugby, The Collins Press, Cork

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