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: 9,500)
Chairman Garrett Fitzgerald
President Charlie Buckley
Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus
Captain(s) Peter O'Mahony
Most caps Donncha O'Callaghan (268)
Top scorer Ronan O'Gara (2,625)
Most tries Simon Zebo (53)
League(s) Pro14
2016–17 1st (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 Pro14 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 Irish Independent Park, Cork. The team motto is "To the brave and faithful, nothing is impossible." This 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.

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 Gallaher, 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 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, at the time, 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. Until the national team's victory on 5 November 2016, it was the only time an All Blacks team lost to any Irish side and 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]

On 11 November 2016, Munster welcomed the Māori All Blacks to Thomond Park. The Māori players paid tribute to Anthony Foley by placing a jersey with his initials on the halfway line before performing the Haka. Māori captain Ash Dixon then presented the jersey to Foley's sons.[7] Munster went on to win the historic game 27–14.[8]

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.[9]

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.[10] 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 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.[11]

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 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 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 2010–11 European 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.[12] 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.[13][14]

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.[15] In their second pool game, Munster beat Castres 24–27, with O'Gara again scoring an overtime drop-goal to secure victory.[16] Munster won their third pool game, away to Scarlets, 14–17.[17] In the return fixture a week later, Munster won 19–13.[18] A 26–10 win over Castres on 14 January 2012 ensured that Munster qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2011–12 Heineken Cup.[19] 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.[20] Munster lost their quarter-final against Ulster 16–22, losing just their second match at home in the Heineken Cup.[21] Munster finished third in the 2011–12 Pro12, and played Ospreys away in the play-off semi-finals, losing 45–10.[22] It was announced on 22 February 2012 that McGahan would be leaving Munster at the end of the 2011–12 season,[23][24][25] to take up a role of coaching co-ordinator on Australia's management team.[26] 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.[27]

Munster were again drawn in Pool One for the 2012–13 Heineken Cup, with Saracens F.C., Edinburgh and Racing 92.[28] The campaign opened with a 22–17 away defeat at the hands of Racing 92.[29] Munster won their second game, at home to Edinburgh, 33–0.[30] The December back-to-back games began with a home fixture against Saracens, which Munster won 15–9.[31] In the reverse fixture, Munster lost 19–13.[32] In the fifth round of pool fixtures, Munster beat Edinburgh 17–26.[33] Munster had to win their final pool game, against Racing 92, 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.[34] Munster won the quarter-final 12–18,[35] advancing to the semi-final, which they lost 16–10 to ASM Clermont Auvergne on 27 April 2013.[36] Munster finished sixth in the 2012–13 Pro12.[37]

Munster were drawn in Pool 6 for the 2013–14 Heineken Cup, alongside USA Perpignan, Edinburgh and Gloucester.[38] Edinburgh beat Munster 29–23 in the opening pool fixture on 12 October 2013.[39] In their second pool game on 19 October 2013, Munster beat Gloucester 26–10.[40] Munster beat Perpignan 36–8 in Round 3.[41] In the Round 4 reverse fixture on 14 December 2013, Munster won 17–18 at Perpignan.[42] Munster beat Gloucester 7–20 at Kingsholm on 11 January 2014, a win that secured quarter-final qualification.[43] Munster beat Edinburgh 38–6 on 19 January 2014 in Round 6, a bonus-point win that secured a home quarter-final.[44] 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.[45] Former captain and then Forwards coach Anthony Foley was confirmed as the next Munster coach on 19 February 2014.[46] In their quarter-final, Munster beat Toulouse 47–23.[47] Munster lost 24-16 to Toulon in the semi-final on 27 April 2014.[48] Munster finished third in the 2013–14 Pro12,[49] but lost 16–15 to Glasgow Warriors in the semi–final.[50]

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.[51] A late drop-goal from Ian Keatley gave Munster a 26–27 away win against Sale Sharks in Round 1 on 18 October 2014.[52] Munster beats Saracens 14–3 in Round 2 on 24 October 2014.[53] 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.[54] In the reverse fixture on 14 December 2014, Clermont beat Munster 26–19.[55] 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.[56] In Round 6, Munster beat Sale Sharks 65–10, a win that was their 100th in Europe.[57] Munster finished second on the 2014–15 Pro12.[58] In the play-off semi-final, Munster beat Ospreys 21–18.[59] Munster were beaten 13–31 by Glasgow Warriors in the 2015 Pro12 Grand Final on 30 May 2015.[60]

Munster were drawn in Pool 4 of the 2015–16 European Rugby Champions Cup, alongside Stade Français, Leicester Tigers and Treviso.[61] On 14 November 2015, Munster beat Treviso 32–7 in their opening pool game.[62] 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.[63] Munster lost 19–31 to Leicester Tigers in Round 3 on 12 December 2015.[64] In the return fixture on 20 December 2015, Leicester beat Munster 17–6.[65] 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.[66] In their final pool game on 24 January 2016, Munster beat Treviso 5–28.[67] 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.[68] Munster finished 6th in the 2015–16 Pro12.[69]

Munster were drawn in Pool 1 of the 2016–17 European Rugby Champions Cup, alongside Racing 92, Leicester Tigers and Glasgow Warriors.[70] In October 2016, Munster's Head Coach and former captain Anthony Foley died while the team were in Paris for the first pool game against Racing 92. Due to the sad and sudden passing of Foley, the fixture was rescheduled.[71][72] On 22 October 2016, in the first game since Foley's death, Munster beat Glasgow 38-17 at a sold-out Thomond Park. Tributes were paid to Foley before, during and after the game and the number 8 jersey was retired for the game, with CJ Stander wearing the number 24 for the occasion.[73] On 10 December 2016, Munster beat Leicester 38-0 in Round 3 on the Champions Cup.[74] On 17 December 2016, Leicester won the reverse fixture in Welford Road 18-16 after a last-minute penalty from Owen Williams.[75] On 7 January 2017, in the rescheduled Round 1 fixture, Munster beat Racing 92 7-32 away from home. Simon Zebo's opening try was Munster's 400th in European competition.[76] On 14 January 2017, Munster beat Glasgow 12-14 away from home to secure qualification for the quarter-finals.[77] On 21 January 2017, in front of 26,200 spectators in Thomond Park, Munster beat Racing 92 22-10 in Round 6 of the pool stage, securing a home quarter-final[78] On 1 April 2017, in the quarter-final, Munster beat Toulouse 41–16 to progress to the semi-finals.[79] On 22 April 2017, Munster were beaten 26–10 by defending champions Saracens in the Champions Cup semi-final, which was held in the Aviva Stadium, Dublin.[80] Munster finished 1st after the 22-round regular season of the 2016–17 Pro12, with a record total of 86 points.[81][82] On 20 May 2017, Munster beat Ospreys 23–3 in Thomond Park.[83] 7 days later, in the 2017 Pro12 Grand Final, Munster lost 46–22 to Scarlets.[84]

When the draw for the 2017–18 European Rugby Champions Cup was made, Munster were drawn in Pool 4 alongside Leicester Tigers, Racing 92 and Castres Olympique. It marked the third season in a row in which Munster will face Leicester and the second season in a row in which they will play Racing 92.[85] On 30 June 2017, it was confirmed after weeks of speculation that Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus and Defence Coach Jacques Nienaber would leave the province in December of that year.[86]

Current standings

Pro14

2017–18 Pro14 Tables
Conference A
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP PTS
1 Wales Cardiff Blues 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 South Africa Cheetahs 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Ireland Connacht 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Scotland Glasgow Warriors 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Ireland Munster 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6 Wales Ospreys 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Italy Zebre 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Conference B
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP PTS
1 Italy Benetton Treviso 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Wales Dragons 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Scotland Edinburgh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Ireland Leinster 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Wales Scarlets 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6 South Africa Southern Kings 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Ireland Ulster 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[87]
  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 are play-off places and earns a place in the 2018–19 European Rugby Champions Cup (excluding South African teams)
Blue background indicates teams outside the play-off places that earn a place in the 2018–19 European Rugby Champions Cup
Plain background indicates teams that earn a place in the 2018–19 European Rugby Challenge Cup.

    European Rugby Champions Cup

    Pool 4

    Team
    		 P W D L PF PA Diff TF TA TB LB Pts
    Ireland Munster 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
    France Racing 92 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
    England Leicester Tigers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
    France Castres Olympique 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
    Key to colours
         Winner of each pool, advance to quarter-finals.
         Three highest-scoring second-place teams advance to quarter-finals.

    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.[88] The new crest was designed by the Limerick graphic design and branding agency Designer's Ink, who received a Gold Award in the Irish Design Effectiveness Awards for the branding and implementation of Munster Rugby.[89] The crest was designed to maintain the three crowns and the new red stag symbolises strength and competitiveness.[88] The decision for change was a product of two-years of planning of research and design.[88]

    The current kit is made by Adidas, who replaced Canterbury of New Zealand in 2007 in a deal covering kit supply for three seasons. Between 2004 and 2013, Toyota was Munster's primary sponsor, appearing on the front of their jersey. On 21 May 2013, it was announced on that Bank of Ireland would be replacing Toyota as Munster's sponsor.[90] In April 2017, the deal with Bank of Ireland was extended until the end of the 2022–23 season.[91]

    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 9,500. As well as Munster, Shannon RFC and UL Bohemians R.F.C. play at the grounds of Thomond Park. Thomond Park is famous for its atmosphere and unique history[92] – 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.[93] 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 26,500 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.[94] The new stadium design was well received and won the Public Choice Award for 2009 from the Irish Architecture Foundation.[95] A long discussion and consultation on the new name concluded with the decision that the name would remain Thomond Park.[96]

    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.[97] 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[98] 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.[99]

    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.[100]

    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[101] 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.[102] Their October 2006 Celtic League game against Leinster at Lansdowne Road beat the record for that competition with an attendance of 27,252.[103] 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.[104]

    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.[105] On 26 December 2016, a new attendance record for Thomond Park in the Pro12 was set when 26,200 were at the Munster v Leinster fixture.[106]

    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.[107] 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.[108] 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.[109]

    Having been beaten finalists in the 2009–10 British and Irish Cup, losing 23–14 to Cornish Pirates,[110] 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.[111] On 21 April 2017, Munster A won their second British and Irish Cup, beating English RFU Championship side Jersey Reds 29–28 in the 2016–17 final, which was held in Irish Independent Park. At one point during the first half, Munster A had been losing 18–0, but fought back to secure victory.[112]

    Honours

    Munster

    Munster A

    Season records

    Pro14

    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
    2015–16 6th 22 13 0 9 11 63
    2016–17 1st 22 19 0 3 10 86
    Semi-final Munster 23 – 3 Ospreys
    Final Munster 22 – 46 Scarlets
    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 Rugby Champions 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 9 – 8 Munster
    2000–01 Pool 4 1 6 5 0 1 – 10
    Quarter-final Munster 38 – 29 Biarritz
    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 15 – 9 Munster
    2002–03 Pool 2 2 6 4 0 2 – 8
    Quarter-final Leicester 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 Wasps
    2004–05 Pool 4 1 6 5 0 1 2 22
    Quarter-final Biarritz 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 19 – 23 Munster
    2006–07 Pool 4 2 6 5 0 1 3 23
    Quarter-final 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
    Semi-final Biarritz 18 – 7 Munster
    2010–11 Pool 3 2 6 3 0 3 4 16
    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 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
    2016–17 Pool 1 1 6 5 0 1 4 24
    Quarter-final Munster 41 – 16 Toulouse
    Semi-final Munster 10 – 26 Saracens

    European Rugby Challenge Cup

    Season Round Result
    2010–11 Quarter-final Brive 37 – 42 Munster
    Semi-final Munster 12 – 20 Harlequins

    Senior Squad

    Coaching and management staff

    Position Name Nationality
    Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus  South Africa
    Defence Coach Jacques Nienaber  South Africa
    Backs & Attack Coach Felix Jones  Ireland
    Forwards Coach Jerry Flannery  Ireland
    Team Manager Niall O'Donovan  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 2017–18

    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
    Marshall, RhysRhys Marshall Hooker New Zealand New Zealand
    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
    Cronin, JamesJames Cronin Prop Ireland Ireland
    Kilcoyne, DavidDavid Kilcoyne Prop Ireland Ireland
    Ryan, JohnJohn Ryan Prop Ireland Ireland
    Scott, BrianBrian Scott Prop Ireland Ireland
    Grobler, GerbrandtGerbrandt Grobler Lock South Africa South Africa
    Holland, BillyBilly Holland Lock Ireland Ireland
    Kleyn, JeanJean Kleyn Lock South Africa South Africa
    McCarthy, SeanSean McCarthy Lock Ireland Ireland
    O'Shea, DarrenDarren O'Shea Lock Ireland Ireland
    Cloete, ChrisChris Cloete Flanker South Africa South Africa
    O'Callaghan, DaveDave O'Callaghan Flanker Ireland Ireland
    O'Donnell, TommyTommy O'Donnell Flanker Ireland Ireland
    Oliver, ConorConor Oliver 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
    Hart, JamesJames Hart Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
    Murray, ConorConor Murray Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
    Williams, DuncanDuncan Williams Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
    Bleyendaal, TylerTyler Bleyendaal Fly-half New Zealand New Zealand
    Hanrahan, J. J.J. J. Hanrahan Fly-half Ireland Ireland
    Johnston, BillBill Johnston Fly-half Ireland Ireland
    Keatley, IanIan Keatley Fly-half Ireland Ireland
    Arnold, SamSam Arnold Centre Ireland Ireland
    Farrell, ChrisChris Farrell Centre Ireland Ireland
    Goggin, DanDan Goggin Centre Ireland Ireland
    Johnston, DavidDavid Johnston Centre Ireland Ireland
    Scannell, RoryRory Scannell Centre Ireland Ireland
    Taute, JacoJaco Taute Centre South Africa South Africa
    Conway, AndrewAndrew Conway Wing Ireland Ireland
    Earls, KeithKeith Earls Wing Ireland Ireland
    O'Mahony, RonanRonan O'Mahony Wing Ireland Ireland
    Sweetnam, DarrenDarren Sweetnam Wing Ireland Ireland
    Wootton, AlexAlex Wootton Wing Ireland Ireland
    Fitzgerald, StephenStephen Fitzgerald Fullback Ireland Ireland
    Zebo, SimonSimon Zebo Fullback Ireland Ireland

    Academy Squad

    Coaching and management staff

    The Munster Academy Coaching and Management staff for the 2017–18 season.

    Position Name Nationality
    Head Coach Peter Malone  Ireland
    Forwards Coach Colm McMahon  Ireland
    Backs Coach Greig Oliver  Scotland
    Academy Advisor Paul O'Connell  Ireland
    Team Manager Alan Miller  Ireland
    Strength & Conditioning Coach Adam Sheehan  Ireland
    Strength & Conditioning Coach Joe McGinley  Ireland
    Physiotherapist Marc Beggs  Ireland
    Physiotherapist Ray McGinley  Ireland

    Academy Playing Squad 2017–18

    The Munster Academy for the 2017–18 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
    Vincent O'Brien Hooker Ireland Ireland year 2
    Joey Conway Prop Ireland Ireland year 1
    Liam O'Connor Prop Ireland Ireland year 3
    JP Phelan Prop Ireland Ireland year 3
    Sean O'Connor Lock Ireland Ireland year 2
    Fineen Wycherley Lock Ireland Ireland year 2
    Gavin Coombes Flanker Ireland Ireland year 2
    John Foley Flanker Ireland Ireland year 2
    Jack O'Sullivan Flanker Ireland Ireland year 1
    Player Position Union
    Craig Casey Scrum-half Ireland Ireland year 1
    Jack Stafford Scrum-half Ireland Ireland year 1
    Conor Fitzgerald Fly-half Ireland Ireland year 1
    Alan Tynan Fly-half Ireland Ireland year 1
    Shane Daly Centre Ireland Ireland year 2
    Alex McHenry Centre Ireland Ireland year 1
    Liam Coombes Wing Ireland Ireland year 1
    Daniel Hurley Wing Ireland Ireland year 1
    Calvin Nash Wing Ireland Ireland year 2
    James McCarthy Fullback Ireland Ireland year 1
    Jack Power Fullback Ireland Ireland year 1

    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
    2016 Māori All Blacks New Zealand Thomond Park 27–14 Won

    Record against Pro14 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 34 20 0 14 58.82%
    Wales Celtic Warriors 2 1 0 1 50.00%
    South Africa Cheetahs 0 0 0 0 00.00%
    France Clermont Auvergne 7 2 0 5 28.57%
    France Colomiers 3 2 0 1 66.67%
    Ireland Connacht 30 25 1 4 83.33%
    Wales Dragons 30 22 0 8 73.33%
    Wales Ebbw Vale RFC 1 1 0 0 100.00%
    Scotland Edinburgh 33 26 0 7 78.78%
    Scotland Glasgow Warriors 33 20 1 12 60.60%
    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 8 3 0 5 37.50%
    Ireland Leinster 35 15 1 19 42.85%
    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%
    England Northampton Saints 6 4 0 2 66.67%
    Wales Ospreys 37 20 1 16 54.05%
    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 4 3 0 1 75.00%
    England Sale Sharks 6 5 0 1 83.33%
    England Saracens 8 5 0 3 62.50%
    Wales Scarlets 37 23 2 12 62.16%
    South Africa Southern Kings 0 0 0 0 00.00%
    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 6 4 0 2 66.66%
    Italy Treviso 20 17 0 3 85.00%
    Ireland Ulster 31 16 1 14 51.61%
    Italy Viadana 2 2 0 0 100.00%
    England Wasps 4 2 0 2 50.00%
    Italy Zebre 10 10 0 0 100.00%
    Total 482 321 8 153 66.59%

    Correct as of 27 May 2017.

    Head coaches (professional era)

    Correct as of 27 May 2017
    Coach Season(s) Games Won Drew Lost Win % Loss % Honours
    Ireland Kidney, DeclanDeclan Kidney 1998/99 – 2002/03 80 60 3 17 75% 21%
    Australia Gaffney, AlanAlan Gaffney 2003/04 – 2004/05 61 40 0 21 66% 34% Celtic League (2003)
    Celtic Cup (2005)
    Ireland Kidney, DeclanDeclan Kidney 2005/06 – 2007/08 84 54 1 29 64% 35% European Cup (2006), (2008)
    Australia McGahan, TonyTony McGahan 2008/09 – 2011/12 115 79 1 35 69% 30% Pro12 (2009), (2011)
    New Zealand Penney, RobRob Penney 2012/13 – 2013/14 61 38 1 22 62% 36%
    Ireland Foley, AnthonyAnthony Foley 2014/15 – 2016/17[n 1] 64 39 2 23 61% 36%
    South Africa Erasmus, RassieRassie Erasmus 2016/17 – 33 27 0 6 82% 18%
    1. ↑ Anthony Foley died suddenly on 16 October 2016, just 6 games into Munster's regular season. Figures for Rassie Erasmus, who became Munster's Director of Rugby on 1 July 2016, include those games in which Foley was still Head Coach.

    Notable players

    British and Irish Lions

    The following Munster players have represented the British and Irish Lions:[116][117]

    Appearances

    The following table shows the players with the most appearances for Munster across all competitions and the ones with the most appearances in the Champions Cup (formerly known as the Heineken Cup). Appearances in the Challenge Cup are also included. All players are Irish, unless otherwise noted.

    Appearances
    Player Years All
    Comps         		European
    Cup
    Ronan O'Gara 1997–2013 240 110
    John Hayes 1998–2011 217 101
    Donncha O'Callaghan 1998–2015 268 97
    Peter Stringer 1998–2013 232 90
    Anthony Foley 1994–2008 201 86
    David Wallace 1997–2012 203 86
    Marcus Horan 1999–2013 225 84
    Paul O'Connell 2001–2015 175 82
    Alan Quinlan 1996–2011 212 78
    Mick O'Driscoll 1998–2003, 2005–12 207 62

    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 27 May 2017) Bold indicates highest overall record. All players are Irish unless otherwise indicated.

    All-Time

    Category Player Totals Years
    Points Ronan O'Gara 2,625 1997–2013
    Tries Simon Zebo 53 2010–present

    European Rugby Champions Cup

    Category Player Totals Years
    Points Ronan O'Gara 1,365 1997–2013
    Tries Anthony Foley 23 1995–2008

    Pro14

    Category Player Totals Years
    Points Ronan O'Gara 940 1997–2013
    Tries Simon Zebo 34 2010–present

    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.[118]

    European Dream Team

    In 2010, the following Munster players were selected in the ERC European Dream Team, an all–time dream team of Heineken Cup players.[119]

    Scoring

    Pro14 Team of the Year

    Competition Irish players Foreign players
    2006–07 —— ——
    2007–08[120] —— New Zealand Lifeimi Mafi
    2008–09[121] Ronan O'Gara,
    Jerry Flannery,
    Paul O'Connell     		New Zealand Lifeimi Mafi (2)
    2009–10[122] Tomas O'Leary ——
    2010–11[123] Ronan O'Gara (2) ——
    2011–12[124] —— South Africa BJ Botha
    2012–13 —— ——
    2013–14[125] David Kilcoyne New Zealand Casey Laulala
    2014–15[126] Tommy O'Donnell South Africa CJ Stander
    2015–16[127] CJ Stander (2)[n 1] ——
    2016–17[128] Rory Scannell,
    Billy Holland,
    David Kilcoyne (2),
    John Ryan     		South Africa Jaco Taute,
    New Zealand Tyler Bleyendaal
    1. ↑ CJ Stander became Irish-qualified on 1 November 2015 and now represents the Irish national rugby union team.

    Golden Boot

    The Pro14 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

    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. ↑ "New Zealand Maori pay tribute to late Munster coach Anthony Foley". stuff.co.nz. 12 November 2016. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
    8. ↑ "Magnificent Munster Conquer Maoris". munsterrugby.ie. 11 November 2016. Retrieved 16 November 2016.
    9. ↑ "Class of 2010 Excel". munsterrugby.ie. 17 November 2010. Archived from the original on 26 November 2010. Retrieved 3 February 2013.
    10. ↑ Howitt (2005), p.8
    11. ↑ "Ospreys 27–18 Dragons". BBC Sport. 30 April 2009. Retrieved 30 April 2009.
    12. ↑ Farrelly, Hugh (17 January 2011). "Munster's epic ends as tragedy". Irish Independent. Retrieved 17 January 2011.
    13. ↑ "Munster 19–9 Leinster". BBC Sport. 30 May 2011. Retrieved 30 May 2011.
    14. ↑ Thornley, Gerry (30 May 2011). "Munster close out season in grand style". Irish Times. Retrieved 30 May 2011.
    15. ↑ "Cometh The Hour, Cometh The Men". munsterrugby.ie. 13 November 2011. Archived from the original on 14 November 2011. Retrieved 13 November 2011.
    16. ↑ "Same Again Thanks Rog". munsterrugby.ie. 20 November 2011. Archived from the original on 23 November 2011. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
    17. ↑ "Set-Piece & Defence Gives Munster The Edge". munsterrugby.ie. 11 December 2011. Archived from the original on 11 January 2012. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
    18. ↑ "Munster Complete The Scarlets Job". munsterrugby.ie. 19 December 2011. Archived from the original on 17 April 2012. Retrieved 20 December 2011.
    19. ↑ "Fifth Successive Win Sees Munster Through". munsterrugby.ie. 15 January 2012. Archived from the original on 12 February 2012. Retrieved 15 January 2012.
    20. ↑ "Munster Close The Deal". munsterrugby.ie. 22 January 2012. Archived from the original on 26 January 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2012.
    21. ↑ "Heartbreak For Munster". munsterrugby.ie. 8 April 2012. Archived from the original on 11 April 2012. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
    22. ↑ "No Consolation Of Any Sort In This Result". munsterrugby..ie. 12 May 2012. Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
    23. ↑ "Tony McGahan set to leave Munster for Australia at end of season". BBC Sport. 22 February 2012. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
    24. ↑ "Munster to lose McGahan". irishexaminer.com. 22 February 2012. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
    25. ↑ "McGahan to quit as Munster coach". planetrugby.com. 22 February 2012. Archived from the original on 21 February 2014. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
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    27. ↑ "Penney Appointed". munsterrugby.ie. 2 May 2012. Archived from the original on 4 May 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
    28. ↑ "Heineken Cup Pools 2012/2013". munsterrugby.ie. 13 June 2012. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2012.
    29. ↑ "Munster Have To Settle For Losing Bonus". munsterrugby.ie. 13 October 2012. Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 21 October 2012.
    30. ↑ "End Game Earns Bonus". munsterrugby.ie. 22 October 2012. Archived from the original on 31 March 2013. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
    31. ↑ "Munster Show Their Gritty Side". munsterrugby.ie. 10 December 2012. Archived from the original on 1 February 2013. Retrieved 12 December 2012.
    32. ↑ "Munster Lose After Epic Battle". munsterrugby.ie. 17 December 2012. Archived from the original on 31 March 2013. Retrieved 17 December 2012.
    33. ↑ "Munster Win In Murrayfield". munsterrugby.ie. 13 January 2013. Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
    34. ↑ "Munster Go Through". munsterrugby.ie. 21 January 2013. Archived from the original on 17 February 2013. Retrieved 21 January 2013.
    35. ↑ "Alone They Stand". munsterrugby.ie. 8 April 2013. Archived from the original on 12 April 2013. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
    36. ↑ "Munster Lose A Game Of Two Halves". munsterugby.ie. 28 April 2013. Archived from the original on 3 May 2013. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
    37. ↑ "2012–13 RaboDirect PRO12 League Table". munsterrugby.ie. Archived from the original on 8 August 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
    38. ↑ "Munster In Pool 6". munsterrugby.ie. 5 June 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
    39. ↑ "Disappointing Defeat In Murrayfield". munsterrugby.ie. 12 October 2013. Archived from the original on 16 October 2013. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
    40. ↑ "Heineken Cup Win In Thomond Park". munsterrugby.ie. 19 October 2013. Archived from the original on 21 October 2013. Retrieved 3 November 2013.
    41. ↑ "Munster Top Of Group After Bonus-Point Win". munsterrugby.ie. 8 December 2013. Archived from the original on 11 December 2013. Retrieved 8 December 2013.
    42. ↑ "Munster Claim Last-Gasp Win In Perpignan". munsterrugby.ie. 14 December 2013. Archived from the original on 14 December 2013. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
    43. ↑ "Quarter Final Place Secured". munsterrugby.ie. 12 January 2014. Archived from the original on 12 January 2014. Retrieved 12 January 2014.
    44. ↑ "Bonus-Point Munster Move Into Home Quarters". munsterrugby.ie. 19 January 2014. Archived from the original on 18 February 2014. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
    45. ↑ "Move Confirmed For Coaching Duo". munsterrugby.ie. 6 February 2014. Archived from the original on 21 February 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
    46. ↑ "Foley Confirmed As Next Head Coach". munsterrugby.ie. 19 February 2014. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
    47. ↑ "Vintage Munster March On". munsterrugby.ie. 5 April 2014. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
    48. ↑ "Toulon End Munster's European Campaign". munsterrugby.ie. 27 April 2014. Archived from the original on 27 April 2014. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
    49. ↑ "RaboDirect PRO12 Semi-Final Confirmed". munsterrugby.ie. 10 May 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
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    51. ↑ "Munster in Pool 1 of Champions Cup". munsterrugby.ie. 10 June 2014. Archived from the original on 23 October 2014. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
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    56. ↑ "Munster Lose Out In London". munsterrugby.ie. 17 January 2015. Archived from the original on 17 January 2015. Retrieved 17 January 2015.
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    60. ↑ "Not To Be In Belfast". munsterrugby.ie. 30 May 2015. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
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