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: 8,008)
Chairman Garrett Fitzgerald
President Charlie Buckley
Coach(es) Johann van Graan
Captain(s) Peter O'Mahony
Most caps Donncha O'Callaghan (268)
Top scorer Ronan O'Gara (2,625)
Most tries Simon Zebo (60)
League(s) Pro14
2017–18 2nd (Conf. A), Semi-finals
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 IRFU 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 Benetton 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 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, 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 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, 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] 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 Benetton.[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, in their play-off semi-final, 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]

Pro14 expansion

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]

In August 2017, Celtic Rugby Limited and the South African Rugby Union confirmed that the two South African teams that had been cut from the southern hemisphere Super Rugby competition, Cheetahs and Southern Kings, would be joining an expanded Pro14 league ahead of the 2017–18 season. Due to the addition of two new teams, the league format was changed to feature two conferences, A and B, with Munster being placed in Conference A alongside Cardiff Blues, Ospreys, Glasgow Warriors, Connacht, Cheetahs and Zebre.[87]

In October 2017, Munster confirmed that then-South Africa Forwards Coach Johann van Graan would join the province in November as their new Head Coach.[88] In the same month, it was announced that Munster's all-time leading try scorer, Simon Zebo, would leave the province at the end of the season.[89] In Rounds 1 & 2 of the 2017–18 European Rugby Champions Cup in October 2017, Munster drew 17–17 away to Castres before earning a 14–7 win at home to Racing 92.[90][91] Erasmus and Nienaber left Munster in early November 2017, with the province confirming their departure on 13 November 2017.[92] Johann van Graan's first official game as Munster's new Head Coach was a 36–19 win away against Zebre in the Pro14 on 26 November 2017.[93][94] Lions Defence Coach JP Ferreira joined Munster in December 2017.[95] In the December Champions Cup double-header against Leicester Tigers, Munster won 33–10 at home before winning 25–16 away, their first win at Welford Road for 11 years.[96][97] In doing so, Munster became the first team to defeat Leicester in both games of the double-header since they were introduced in 1999, while the home victory also saw Munster surpass 4,000 points in the competition.[98] In Rounds 5 & 6 of the Champions Cup, Munster lost 34–30 away to Racing 92 before beating Castres 48–3 at home, securing a record 17th quarter-final.[99][100] Munster beat 3-time tournament champions Toulon 20–19 in the quarter-final after a late Andrew Conway try and conversion from Ian Keatley.[101] In the semi-final, Munster were beaten 27–22 by their French pool 4 opponents Racing 92.[102]

Munster finished 2nd in Conference A of the 2017–18 Pro14 season on 69 points. In their semi-final qualifier against Edinburgh on 5 May 2018, Munster won 20–16 to progress to a semi-final away from home.[103] In the semi-final against recently-crowned Champions Cup winners and arch-rivals Leinster on 19 May 2018, Munster lost 16–15, bringing to an end their 2017–18 season.[104]

Drawn alongside French Top 14 champions Castres and English sides Exeter Chiefs and Gloucester, Munster will compete in Pool 2 of the 2018–19 European Rugby Champions Cup.[105]

Current standings

Pro14

2018–19 Pro14 Table
Conference A
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP PTS
1Scotland Glasgow Warriors 6501197119+7828145025
2Wales Ospreys 540112594+3114121017
3Ireland Munster 530217482+922593015
4Ireland Connacht 6303126112+1414131215
5Wales Cardiff Blues 5203142120+2215162313
6Italy Zebre 620492146−5412172010
7South Africa Cheetahs 6015119236−1171732215
Conference B
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP PTS
1Ireland Leinster 540115775+822183120
2Scotland Edinburgh 6303134139−514192216
3Ireland Ulster 6312134174–4014211116
4Wales Scarlets 5302148112+3619122115
5Italy Benetton 5203117138−2116162111
6Wales Dragons 520383129−46920019
7South Africa Southern Kings 510497169−721322217
If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order -[106]
  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 red cards received
  7. the fewest yellow cards received

Green background indicates teams that compete in the Pro14 play-offs, and also earn a place in the 2019–20 European Champions Cup
(excluding South African teams who are ineligible)
Blue background indicates teams outside the play-off places that earn a place in the 2019–20 European Champions Cup
Yellow background indicates the fourth-ranked eligible teams in each conference that play-off against each other for the seventh place in the 2019–20 European Champions Cup
Plain background indicates teams that earn a place in the 2019–20 European Rugby Challenge Cup.
(CH) Champions. (RU) Runners-up. (SF) Losing semi-finalists. (QF) Losing quarter-finalists. (PO) Champions Cup play-off winners.

    European Rugby Champions Cup

    Pool 2

    Team
    		 P W D L PF PA Diff TF TA TB LB Pts
    Ireland Munster 211046321464107
    France Castres 21014344-134015
    England Gloucester 21014150-946004
    England Exeter Chiefs 20113539-443013

    [107]

    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.[108] 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.[109] The crest was designed to maintain the three crowns and the new red stag symbolises strength and competitiveness.[108] The decision for change was a product of two-years of planning of research and design.[108]

    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.[110] In April 2017, the deal with Bank of Ireland was extended until the end of the 2022–23 season.[111] In August 2017, Munster announced that Shannon Airport had become its 'Official Airport Partner' in a three-year deal, which will see the Shannon Airport logo appear on the players shorts from the 2017–18 season onwards.[112]

    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[113] – 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.[114] 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.[115] The new stadium design was well received and won the Public Choice Award for 2009 from the Irish Architecture Foundation.[116] A long discussion and consultation on the new name concluded with the decision that the name would remain Thomond Park.[117]

    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.[118] 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[119] 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.[120]

    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.[121]

    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[122] 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.[123] Their October 2006 Celtic League game against Leinster at Lansdowne Road beat the record for that competition with an attendance of 27,252.[124] 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.[125]

    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.[126] On 26 December 2017, a new attendance record for Thomond Park in the Pro14 was set when 26,267 were at the Munster v Leinster fixture.[127]

    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.[128] 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 Celtic Cup and in the All-Ireland Inter-Provincial Championship.[129] 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 All-Ireland League players called up from their club.[130]

    Having been beaten finalists in the 2009–10 British and Irish Cup, losing 23–14 to Cornish Pirates,[131] 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.[132] 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.[133]

    With 2017–18 being the last season in which the British and Irish Cup was held, the Welsh Rugby Union and Irish Rugby Football Union formed a new tournament, the Celtic Cup, which will feature development squads from the four Irish provinces and four Welsh regions, split into two pools of four. The tournament will run over seven consecutive weeks between 7 September 2018 and 12/13/14 October 2018.[134]

    Honours

    Munster

    Munster A

    Season records

    Pro14

    Season Pos Played Won Drawn Lost Bonus Points
    2001–02 1st (Pool B)6501015
    Quarter-final Munster 13 – 6 Llanelli
    Semi-final Munster 15 – 9 Ulster
    Final Leinster 24 – 20 Munster
    2002–03 1st (Pool A)7601428
    Quarter-final Munster 33 – 3 Connacht
    Semi-final Munster 42 – 10 Ulster
    Final Neath 17 – 37 Munster
    2003–04 7th22100121151
    2004–05 2nd201514769
    2005–06 3rd2012081066[n 1]
    2006–07 6th201208654
    2007–08 3rd181017648
    2008–09 1st181404863
    2009–10 4th18909945
    Semi-final Leinster 16 – 6 Munster
    2010–11 1st221903783
    Semi-final Munster 18 – 11 Ospreys
    Final Munster 19 – 9 Leinster
    2011–12 3rd221417967
    Semi-final Ospreys 45 – 10 Munster
    2012–13 6th2211110854
    2013–14 3rd2216061074
    Semi-final Glasgow 16 – 15 Munster
    2014–15 2nd2215251175
    Semi-final Munster 21 – 18 Ospreys
    Final Munster 13 – 31 Glasgow
    2015–16 6th2213091163
    2016–17 1st2219031086
    Semi-final Munster 23 – 3 Ospreys
    Final Munster 22 – 46 Scarlets
    2017–18 2nd (Conf. A)2113171569
    Quarter-final Munster 20 – 16 Edinburgh
    Semi-final Leinster 16 – 15 Munster
    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 422101–2
      1996–97 Pool 444202–4
      1997–98 Pool 446204–4
      1998–99 Pool 226411–9
      Quarter-final Colomiers 23 – 9 Munster
      1999–00 Pool 416501–10
      Quarter-final Munster 27 – 10 Stade Français
      Semi-final Toulouse 25 – 31 Munster
      Final Northampton 9 – 8 Munster
      2000–01 Pool 416501–10
      Quarter-final Munster 38 – 29 Biarritz
      Semi-final Stade Français 16 – 15 Munster
      2001–02 Pool 426501–10
      Quarter-final Stade Français 14 – 16 Munster
      Semi-final Castres 17 – 25 Munster
      Final Leicester 15 – 9 Munster
      2002–03 Pool 226402–8
      Quarter-final Leicester 7 – 20 Munster
      Semi-final Toulouse 13 – 12 Munster
      2003–04 Pool 516501424
      Quarter-final Munster 37 – 32 Stade Français
      Semi-final Munster 32 – 37 Wasps
      2004–05 Pool 416501222
      Quarter-final Biarritz 19 – 10 Munster
      2005–06 Pool 116501323
      Quarter-final Munster 19 – 10 Perpignan
      Semi-final Leinster 6 – 30 Munster
      Final Biarritz 19 – 23 Munster
      2006–07 Pool 426501323
      Quarter-final Scarlets 24 – 15 Munster
      2007–08 Pool 516402319
      Quarter-final Gloucester 3 – 16 Munster
      Semi-final Saracens 16 – 18 Munster
      Final Toulouse 13 – 16 Munster
      2008–09 Pool 116501323
      Quarter-final Munster 43 – 9 Ospreys
      Semi-final Munster 6 – 25 Leinster
      2009–10 Pool 116501424
      Quarter-final Munster 33 – 19 Northampton
      Semi-final Biarritz 18 – 7 Munster
      2010–11 Pool 326303416
      2011–12 Pool 116600125
      Quarter-final Munster 16 – 22 Ulster
      2012–13 Pool 126402420
      Quarter-final Harlequins 12 – 18 Munster
      Semi-final Clermont 16 – 10 Munster
      2013–14 Pool 616501323
      Quarter-final Munster 47 – 23 Toulouse
      Semi-final Toulon 24 – 16 Munster
      2014–15 Pool 136303315
      2015–16 Pool 436303315
      2016–17 Pool 116501424
      Quarter-final Munster 41 – 16 Toulouse
      Semi-final Munster 10 – 26 Saracens
      2017–18 Pool 416411321
      Quarter-final Munster 20 – 19 Toulon
      Semi-final Racing 92 27 – 22 Munster

      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
      Head Coach Johann van Graan  South Africa
      Defence Coach JP Ferreira  South Africa
      Backs & Attack Coach Felix Jones  Ireland
      Forwards Coach Jerry Flannery  Ireland
      Team Manager Niall O'Donovan  Ireland
      Head of Athletic Performance Denis Logan  United States
      Senior Strength & Conditioning Coach Aidan O'Connell  Ireland
      Strength & Conditioning Coach Adam Sheehan  Ireland
      Strength & Conditioning Coach PJ Wilson  Ireland
      Performance Analyst George Murray  Ireland

      Senior Playing Squad

      The Munster senior squad for 2018–19 is:[138]

      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
      Rhys Marshall Hooker New Zealand New Zealand
      Kevin O'Byrne Hooker Ireland Ireland
      Niall Scannell Hooker Ireland Ireland
      Mike Sherry Hooker Ireland Ireland
      Stephen Archer Prop Ireland Ireland
      James Cronin Prop Ireland Ireland
      Cronan Gleeson Prop Ireland Ireland
      David Kilcoyne Prop Ireland Ireland
      Jeremy Loughman Prop Ireland Ireland
      Liam O'Connor Prop Ireland Ireland
      Ciaran Parker* Prop England England
      John Ryan Prop Ireland Ireland
      Brian Scott Prop Ireland Ireland
      Tadhg Beirne Lock Ireland Ireland
      Billy Holland Lock Ireland Ireland
      Jean Kleyn Lock South Africa South Africa
      Darren O'Shea Lock Ireland Ireland
      Fineen Wycherley Lock Ireland Ireland
      Arno Botha Back row South Africa South Africa
      Chris Cloete Back row South Africa South Africa
      Dave O'Callaghan Back row Ireland Ireland
      Tommy O'Donnell Back row Ireland Ireland
      Jack O'Donoghue Back row Ireland Ireland
      Conor Oliver Back row Ireland Ireland
      Peter O'Mahony (c) Back row Ireland Ireland
      CJ Stander Back row Ireland Ireland
      Player Position Union
      Neil Cronin Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
      James Hart Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
      Alby Mathewson Scrum-half New Zealand New Zealand
      Conor Murray Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
      Duncan Williams Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
      Tyler Bleyendaal* Fly-half New Zealand New Zealand
      Joey Carbery Fly-half Ireland Ireland
      J. J. Hanrahan Fly-half Ireland Ireland
      Bill Johnston Fly-half Ireland Ireland
      Ian Keatley Fly-half Ireland Ireland
      Sam Arnold Centre Ireland Ireland
      Chris Farrell Centre Ireland Ireland
      Dan Goggin Centre Ireland Ireland
      Rory Scannell Centre Ireland Ireland
      Jaco Taute Centre South Africa South Africa
      Andrew Conway Wing Ireland Ireland
      Keith Earls Wing Ireland Ireland
      Calvin Nash Wing Ireland Ireland
      Ronan O'Mahony Wing Ireland Ireland
      Darren Sweetnam Wing Ireland Ireland
      Alex Wootton Wing Ireland Ireland
      Stephen Fitzgerald Fullback Ireland Ireland
      Michael Haley* Fullback England England
      • Internationally capped players in bold
      • Players qualified to play for Ireland on residency or dual nationality *
      • Irish provinces are currently limited to four non-Irish eligible (NIE) players and one non-Irish qualified player (NIQ or "Project Player").[139]
      • Notes:

        Academy Squad

        Coaching and management staff

        The Munster Academy Coaching and Management staff for the 2018–19 season.

        Position Name Nationality
        Head Coach Peter Malone  Ireland
        Forwards Coach Colm McMahon  Ireland
        Backs Coach Greig Oliver  Scotland
        Strength & Conditioning Coach Joe McGinley  Ireland
        Strength & Conditioning Coach Gordon Brett  Ireland
        Strength & Conditioning Coach Feargal O'Callaghan  Ireland
        Strength & Conditioning Coach Damien O'Donoghue  Ireland
        Strength & Conditioning Coach Jonny McGailey  Ireland
        Video Analysis Brian Fitzgerald  Ireland

        Academy Playing Squad

        The Munster Academy squad for the 2018–19 season is:[140] 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
        Diarmuid Barron (Year 1) Hooker Ireland Ireland
        Eoghan Clarke (Year 1) Hooker Ireland Ireland
        James French (Year 1) Prop Ireland Ireland
        Keynon Knox (Year 2) Prop South Africa South Africa
        Thomas Ahern (Year 1) Lock Ireland Ireland
        Sean O'Connor (Year 3) Lock Ireland Ireland
        Gavin Coombes (Year 3) Back row Ireland Ireland
        Jack Daly (Year 1) Back row Ireland Ireland
        Jack O'Sullivan (Year 2) Back row Ireland Ireland
        Player Position Union
        Craig Casey (Year 2) Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
        Jack Stafford (Year 2) Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
        Ben Healy (Year 1) Fly-half Ireland Ireland
        Shane Daly (Year 3) Centre Ireland Ireland
        Sean French (Year 1) Centre Ireland Ireland
        Alex McHenry (Year 2) Centre Ireland Ireland
        Matt More (Year 2) Centre South Africa South Africa
        Jonathan Wren (Year 1) Centre Ireland Ireland
        Liam Coombes (Year 2) Wing Ireland Ireland
        James McCarthy (Year 2) Fullback Ireland Ireland
        Alan Tynan (Year 2) Fullback Ireland Ireland

        Results against touring international teams

        Date Country Location Score Result
        1947Australia AustraliaMardkye5–6Lost
        1951South Africa South AfricaThomond Park6–11Lost
        1954New Zealand New ZealandMardyke3–6Lost
        1958Australia AustraliaThomond Park3–3Draw
        1960South Africa South AfricaMusgrave Park3–9Lost
        1962Canada CanadaMusgrave Park11–8Won
        1963New Zealand New ZealandThomond Park3–6Lost
        1967Australia AustraliaMusgrave Park11–8Won
        1970South Africa South AfricaThomond Park9–25Lost
        1973New Zealand New ZealandMusgrave Park3–3Drew
        1973Argentina ArgentinaThomond Park12–12Drew
        1974New Zealand New ZealandThomond Park4–14Lost
        1976Australia AustraliaMusgrave Park13–15Lost
        1978New Zealand New ZealandThomond Park12–0Won
        1980Romania RomaniaThomond Park9–32Lost
        1981Australia AustraliaMusgrave Park15–6Won
        1984Australia AustraliaThomond Park19–31Lost
        1989New Zealand New ZealandMusgrave Park9–31Lost
        1990Soviet Union USSRClonmel15–19Lost
        1992Australia AustraliaMusgrave Park22–19Won
        1996Samoa SamoaMusgrave Park25–35Lost
        1996Australia AustraliaThomond Park19–55Lost
        1998Morocco MoroccoThomond Park49–17Won
        2008New Zealand New ZealandThomond Park16–18Lost
        2010Australia AustraliaThomond Park15–6Won
        2016New Zealand Māori All BlacksThomond Park27–14Won

        Record against Pro14 and European Cup opponents

        Against Played Won Drawn Lost % Won
        Italy Aironi430175.00%
        England Bath210150.00%
        Italy Benetton21180385.71%
        France Biarritz420250.00%
        Scotland Border Reivers8800100.00%
        France Bourgoin650183.33%
        Wales Bridgend2200100.00%
        France Brive1100100.00%
        Wales Caerphilly2200100.00%
        France Castres14101371.42%
        Wales Cardiff Blues372101656.75%
        Wales Celtic Warriors210150.00%
        South Africa Cheetahs3300100.00%
        France Clermont720528.57%
        France Colomiers320166.67%
        Ireland Connacht32261581.25%
        Wales Dragons31230874.19%
        Wales Ebbw Vale1100100.00%
        Scotland Edinburgh35270877.14%
        England Exeter Chiefs101000.00%
        Scotland Glasgow Warriors362111458.33%
        England Gloucester750271.43%
        England Harlequins860275.00%
        Wales Llanelli2200100.00%
        England Leicester Tigers1050550.00%
        Ireland Leinster391512338.46%
        England London Irish210150.00%
        Italy Milan1100100.00%
        France Montauban2200100.00%
        Wales Neath531160.00%
        Wales Newport3300100.00%
        England Northampton Saints640266.67%
        Wales Ospreys402311657.50%
        France Perpignan970271.43%
        Italy Petrarca2200100.00%
        Wales Pontypridd210150.00%
        France Racing 92740357.14%
        England Sale Sharks650183.33%
        England Saracens850362.50%
        Wales Scarlets382421263.15%
        South Africa Southern Kings1100100.00%
        France Stade Français640266.67%
        Wales Swansea2200100.00%
        France Toulon420250.00%
        France Toulouse640266.66%
        Ireland Ulster341721550.00%
        Italy Viadana2200100.00%
        England Wasps420250.00%
        Italy Zebre121200100.00%
        Total5203431116665.96%

        Correct as of 13 October 2018.

        Head coaches (professional era)

        Correct as of 13 October 2018
        Coach Season(s) Games Won Drew Lost Win % Loss % Honours
        Ireland Declan Kidney 1998/99 – 2002/03 80 60 3 17 75% 21%
        Australia Alan Gaffney 2003/04 – 2004/05 61 40 0 21 66% 34% Celtic League (2003)
        Celtic Cup (2005)
        Ireland Declan Kidney 2005/06 – 2007/08 84 54 1 29 64% 35% European Cup (2006), (2008)
        Australia Tony McGahan 2008/09 – 2011/12 115 79 1 35 69% 30% Pro14 (2009), (2011)
        New Zealand Rob Penney 2012/13 – 2013/14 61 38 1 22 62% 36%
        Ireland Anthony Foley 2014/15 – 2016/17[n 1] 64 39 2 23 61% 36%
        South Africa Rassie Erasmus 2016/17 – 2017/18 43 33 1 9 77% 21%
        South Africa Johann van Graan[141] 2017/18 – 28 16 2 10 57% 36%
        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:[142][143]

          The '200' Club

          The following table shows the players who won at least 200 caps for Munster. All players are Irish, unless otherwise noted.

          Player Caps Years
          Donncha O'Callaghan 268 1998–2015
          Ronan O'Gara 240 1997–2013
          Peter Stringer 232 1998–2013
          Marcus Horan 225 1999–2013
          John Hayes 217 1998–2011
          Alan Quinlan 212 1996–2011
          Mick O'Driscoll 207 1998–2003, 2005–2012
          David Wallace 203 1997–2012
          Anthony Foley 201 1994–2008

          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 13 October 2018) Bold indicates highest overall record. All players are Irish unless otherwise indicated.

          All-Time

          Category Player Totals Years
          Appearances Donncha O'Callaghan 268 1998–2015
          Points Ronan O'Gara 2,625 1997–2013
          Tries Simon Zebo 60 2010–2018

          European Rugby Champions Cup

          Category Player Totals Years
          Appearances Ronan O'Gara 110 1997–2013
          Points Ronan O'Gara 1,365 1997–2013
          Tries Anthony Foley
          Simon Zebo          		 23 1995–2008
          2012–2018

          Pro14

          Category Player Totals Years
          Appearances Donncha O'Callaghan 156 1998–2015
          Points Ronan O'Gara 940 1997–2013
          Tries Simon Zebo 37 2010–2018

          ERC Elite Team Awards

          Team Award: (50 Heineken Cup matches):

          • Munster Rugby (164)

          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.[144]

          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.[145]

          Scoring

          Pro14 Team of the Year

          CompetitionIrish playersForeign players
          2006–07————
          2007–08[146]——New Zealand Lifeimi Mafi
          2008–09[147]Ronan O'Gara,
          Jerry Flannery,
          Paul O'Connell          		New Zealand Lifeimi Mafi (2)
          2009–10[148]Tomás O'Leary——
          2010–11[149]Ronan O'Gara (2)——
          2011–12[150]——South Africa BJ Botha
          2012–13————
          2013–14[151]David KilcoyneNew Zealand Casey Laulala
          2014–15[152]Tommy O'DonnellSouth Africa CJ Stander
          2015–16[153]CJ Stander (2)[n 1]——
          2016–17[154]Rory Scannell,
          Billy Holland,
          David Kilcoyne (2),
          John Ryan          		South Africa Jaco Taute,
          New Zealand Tyler Bleyendaal
          2017–18[155]Tadhg Beirne[n 2]——
          1. ↑ CJ Stander became Irish-qualified on 1 November 2015 and now represents the Irish national rugby union team.
            • ↑ Beirne was playing for Welsh region Scarlets during the 2017–18 season, but was a Munster player when the season awards were confirmed on 20 August 2018.

              Golden Boot

              The Pro14 Golden Boot is awarded to the kicker who has successfully converted the highest percentage of place kicks during the 21-week regular Pro14 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.
              26. ↑ Fallon, John (23 March 2012). "McGahan excited about Wallaby role". irishtimes.com. Retrieved 30 March 2012.
              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. Archived from the original on 8 September 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. Archived from the original on 12 May 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
              50. ↑ "Munster Out By Narrowest Of Margins". munsterrugby.ie. 16 May 2014. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 16 May 2014.
              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.
              52. ↑ "Keatley Kicks Munster On". munsterrugby.ie. 18 October 2014. Archived from the original on 19 October 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
              53. ↑ "Munster Overcome Saracens". munsterrugby.ie. 24 October 2014. Archived from the original on 25 October 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
              54. ↑ "Clermont Claim Win At Thomond Park". munsterrugby.ie. 6 December 2014. Archived from the original on 13 December 2014. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
              55. ↑ "Losing Bonus Point Secured At Clermont". munsterrugby.ie. 14 December 2014. Archived from the original on 22 May 2015. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
              56. ↑ "Munster Lose Out In London". munsterrugby.ie. 17 January 2015. Archived from the original on 17 January 2015. Retrieved 17 January 2015.
              57. ↑ "Munster Finish With Flourish". munsterrugby.ie. 25 January 2015. Archived from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
              58. ↑ "Munster Do The Job In Cork". munsterrugby.ie. 16 May 2015. Archived from the original on 19 May 2015. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
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              Further reading

              • English, A, (2005) Stand Up and Fight: When Munster Beat 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
              • Mulqueen, C & O'Dowd, B, (2015) The Story of Thomond Park: Where Miracles Happen, The Collins Press
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