Munster Rugby v Leinster Rugby Match Programme

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
To Johann, his coaching team, and the entire
squad, we send you our best wishes for
tonight’s game.
This evening we welcome Head Coach Leo
Cullen and his Leinster team to Thomond Park
for this Round 9 game in the Guinness PRO14.
This game, which is normally played on St.
Stephen’s Day, is a special fixture that fans on
both sides really look forward to. It has all the
elements of a big derby game with Thomond
Park usually packed to the rafters with fans,
all in full voice, a sea of red and blue covering
the stands and terraces with an electrifying
atmosphere long before kick-off. Unfortunately,
this evening it will be minus all the noise and
colour around the stadium with the exception
of the 1000+ portraits looking on from the
stand. On the pitch it will be business as usual
with both sets of players giving it their all to
claim the win.
The two sides come into this game on a good
run of form - Munster on the back of away wins
over Clermont and Connacht, and Munster and
Leinster with eight wins from nine in the PRO14.
Both sides lost to their provincial rivals Ulster
and Connacht respectively, over the Christmas
round of games.
The situation on the domestic front has not
changed. The IRFU and all concerned are
working hard behind the scenes to make
sure that when it is safe to do so, rugby will
resume. In the meantime our Head of Rugby
Development Colm McMahon and his team are
doing great work with their online programmes
such as the Rugby FUNdamentals home skills
programme. These online programmes are a
vital part of keeping our young people engaged
and practicing their skills while keeping rugby
a part of their lives. All this work will extremely
beneficial when rugby resumes once again.
Congratulations to Neville Burton from
Clonakilty RFC who is the December winner
of the Ballyseedy Volunteer of the Month,
recognising his dedication and hard work. Well
done Neville.
Our thanks to our main sponsor Bank of Ireland,
our kit supplier adidas and all our sponsors for
their continued support. We also welcome Laya
Healthcare as our Official Health & Wellbeing
Partner.
Stay safe, stay strong and stay positive.
To the brave and the faithful, nothing is
impossible.
Sean McCullough
President Munster Branch IRFU
President: Sean McCullough | Vice President: Ger McNamara | Junior Vice President: Michael Carroll
Hon. Secretary: Muiris Mahon| Hon. Treasurer: Tom Kinirons
Chief Executive Officer: Dr. Ian Flanagan | Head Coach: Johann van Graan | Team Manager: Niall O’Donovan
MUNSTER v LEINSTER | 23.01.21 | THOMOND PARK
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