United Rugby Championship Round 1 | In this issue, we get the lowdown on our opposition, the Cell C Sharks, we get to know new Munster player Rowan Osborne and look at a busy calendar of matches for our women’s clubs teams with the start of the All Ireland League this weekend.
v CELL C SHARKS
THOMOND PARK
25 SEP 2021|7.35PM
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
1
2 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
WELCOME BACK
Today is a fantastic occasion
as we welcome our supporters
back home.
We have all come through an
unprecedented time together,
overcome challenges, and are
now thankfully well on our way
to better times.
With the absence of live sport for so long it was
plain to see what it means to us all – more than the
positive impact on health and wellbeing, rugby is
our outlet, our passion, our sense of community,
and our identity.
We are delighted to see our Domestic Rugby
season underway with clubhouses, schools and
pitches across the province filled with players,
coaches, volunteers, and supporters, the
breeding ground and lifeline of Munster Rugby.
Today marks a special day with thousands of
supporters returning to Thomond Park for the
first time since February 2020. We hope everyone
has a wonderful time and enjoys the sense of
occasion as we gather once again to get behind
Johann van Graan and team.
Thank you as ever for your support and
commitment to the province, we look forward to
welcoming you to Thomond Park and Musgrave
Park throughout the season.
Ian Flanagan
Chief Executive Officer
Munster Rugby
We welcome Sean Everitt and all
from Cell C Sharks to Thomond
Park this evening for the first game
of the exciting new United Rugby
Championship series.
Tonight will be another special
night in Thomond Park as we see
the return of supporters for the first time in over 18
months. To hear the Munster roar once again as
the team run out of the tunnel will be a welcome
change. For some of our players this will be the first
time to experience this, but some things are worth
waiting for.
On behalf of all the Munster family I would like to
wish Johann, his coaching team and all the squad
the very best of luck tonight and into season ahead.
Our domestic game is finally back up and
running. Early season competitions have
already commenced which is welcome news for
supporters and players alike. To all clubs, schools,
players, volunteers and all involved in every aspect
and level of the game, the very best of luck as we
continue where we left off and into the new season
ahead.
Congratulations to our Women’s team as they lifted
the Vodafone Interprovincial trophy. Matt Brown’s
side captained by Sarah Quin came out 19-7
winners in the decider against Leinster in what was
a highly entertaining and competitive game.
Our thanks to all of our sponsors for their continued
and loyal support.
To the brave and 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 CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
3
THE ULTIMATE
URC EXPERIENCE
JOIN FOR FREE
Personalised team
experience
Exclusive offers
& competitions
Premium opinion
articles & analysis
Match highlights &
exclusive video content
WWW.UNITEDRUGBY.COM/MYURC
4 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
16 TEAMS,
2 HEMISPHERES,
1 LEAGUE
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
5
Andrew Conway – Wing wizard
WHEN WE
STAND
TOGETHER
NOTHING IS
IMPOSSIBLE
Ciara Griffin – The Leader Aisling - Friendships made in the stands Conor Murray – World class
6 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
NEWSROUND
ED SHEERAN TO PLAY
THOMOND PARK
MUNSTER PLAYERS
IN IRISH CAMP
Shane Daly, Gavin
Coombes and
Craig Casey
Live music will return to Thomond Park next
year with the announcement that Ed Sheeran
will perform at the iconic venue on Thursday 5
May 2022. Tickets for the concert went on sale
this morning at 8am on ticketmaster.ie. For Tour
information visit edsheeran.com and for concert
information visit aikenpromotions.com.
CHAMPIONS CUP NEWS
The order of Munster’s Champions Cup Pool
fixtures has been confirmed with the province
kicking off the campaign with an away fixture
against Wasps on the weekend of December
10/11/12. That game will be followed by a home
clash against Castres Olympique on December
17/18/19 with a return fixture against the French
side in round three on January 14/15/16. Munster
round off their pool campaign with a home tie
against Wasps on January 21/22/23. Exact dates
of the pool stage fixtures, as well as kick-off times
and TV coverage, will be announced by EPCR
in the coming weeks. The eight highest-ranked
clubs from each pool will qualify for the knockout
stage which will consist of a Round of 16 on a
home and away basis, quarter-finals and semifinals,
with the final in Marseille on 28 May 2022.
Thirteen Munster players were amongst a
group of 50 players who took part in a one-day
camp at the IRFU’s High Performance Centre
last weekend as Andy Farrell prepares for the
upcoming Autumn Nations Series matches
against Japan, New Zealand and Argentina in
November. The Munster players involved in the
camp were Joey Carbery, Craig Casey, Andrew
Conway, Shane Daly, Keith Earls, Chris Farrell,
Conor Murray, Tadhg Beirne, Gavin Coombes,
Dave Kilcoyne, Peter O’Mahony, John Ryan and
Fineen Wycherley.
URC TV NOW LIVE
New for the 2021/22 season, URC TV is a
new online streaming service giving fans the
opportunity to watch every game live and on
demand. You can register for free for access to
a selection of on-demand video content or you
can subscribe with an annual pass to watch all
151 games live and on-demand. Matches will be
broadcast in HD with English commentary. The
service can be accessed across multiple devices.
See more details here.
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
7
UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
GETS UNDERWAY
Munster and the Cell C Sharks get their
United Rugby Championship campaign
underway this evening in the first ever
meeting of these two sides.
The United Rugby Championship
welcomes four new South African teams,
creating a 16-team competition across
Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy and South
Africa.
While the 16 teams will be battling for a
play-off berth in the overall league table
over 18 rounds, they will also be ranked in
four regional conferences or ‘Shields’, each
made up of four teams. Teams in the same
conference will face home and away fixtures
against each other and play either at home
or away against the other 12 sides in the
competition.
“Right at the end again we got to the final
and lost to Leinster. We lost to Toulouse
who ended up winning the Champions
Cup and I think we’re just a step away
from clicking and competing again, really
competing.
“The mood is fantastic with the quality of
players coming back from Lions squads,
South African squads. Bringing in Zeebs
has brought a real freshness to the group
and we’ve a lot of young players who are
hungry and competitive and it’s a great
blend, I think.”
The top 8 teams in the league will progress
to the Play Offs at the end of 18 rounds, with
quarter-finals, semi-finals and the first final to
be played at the Aviva Stadium.
Munster will be hoping to pick up where they
left off after a strong season last time around.
Speaking at the Championship launch last
week, Munster’s Chris Farrell said:
“The belief is really
there from a personal
point of view but
also I think that
sense is shared
within the group in
Munster. There’s an
unbelievable buzz
around the place and we have such a good
squad, we’ve got great coaches, and I feel
like last season we were really competitive.
Chris Farrell
8 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
Gavin Coombes
Reniel Hugo
COMPARISON MUNSTER CELL C SHARKS
Last 3 URC results: 14 May - Connacht (H) L20-24 22 May - Stormers (H) L22-25
28 May - Cardiff Rugby (H) W31-27 5 Jun - Lions (A) W33-21
11 Jun - Zebre (A) W54-11 12 Jun - Bulls (H) L22-34
URC 2020/21 Conf B: 1st – W14 D0 L2 - 64pts Rainbow SA: 2nd – W3 D0 L3 - 16pts
Top try scorer 12 – Gavin Coombes 3 – Reniel Hugo, Kerron van Vuuren
Top points scorer 98 – JJ Hanrahan 43 – Curwin Bosch
MATCH FACTS
• Munster lost just once in last season’s
Rainbow Cup 20-24 to Connacht in Limerick
on 14 May.
• The last non-Irish team to defeat Munster
in the Championship at Thomond Park was
Scarlets, 21-30 in February 2017.
• Munster’s record against South African
teams in the Championship is won eight,
lost one, with the defeat being 16-40
against Cheetahs in Bloemfontein in
October 2019.
• Cell C Sharks reached the final of the Currie
Cup earlier this month but lost 10-44 to
Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria.
• The Sharks most recent trip to the Northern
Hemisphere was a 45-10 victory against
the Sunwolves in Singapore in February
2019 in Super Rugby
• The two sides have never met in a
competitive fixture before.
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
9
5,000 FREE Munster Junior
Supporters Club memberships
Registration opens Mon 4th October!
Proud Sponsors of Junior Munster Rugby Supporters Club.
www.inverenergy.ie
www.mrsc.ie/junior-club
10 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
Official Travel Partner of
Munster Rugby
Wasps v Munster
Details Coming Soon
Castres v Munster
Details Coming Soon
Six Nations
2022
New Zealand Tour
July 2022
Great Team
Tours
www.rugbytravelireland.com T: 061 624734
OTP Travel Services Ltd (497583) T/A Rugby Travel Ireland is Licenced by the Commission for Aviation Regulation, TO 0260.
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
11
THE INSIDE
TRACK
JOHANN VAN GRAAN
On how preparations for the new season have
gone…
“We’ve had a very nice break after the game we
played against Zebre. We did one or two things
differently in the pre-season which gave us good
rewards. Everybody came back refreshed. We
worked on certain parts of our game. Obviously,
we had to re-adjust for the Red v Grey match
when we couldn’t play against Bath. We had
a good exercise against Exeter. We had the
national players back in the last few weeks
and it is great to have Conor and Tadhg back in
the building and now we are looking forward
to a brilliant new season, new competition,
new teams, new format and new qualification
process. Really looking forward to it and really
excited to be part of it.”
On the Cell C Sharks…
“They are a very proud South African franchise.
They had a really good season. They played
in the last two Currie Cup finals alongside
the Bulls. Both were unfortunately away for
them. They are very tough to beat at home,
specifically in the humid conditions of Durban.
They’ve put together a very good squad.
They have an excellent head coach in Sean
Everitt. Structurally they’ve got a very good
programme if you look at their academy and
they’ve got some proper players. We are really
looking forward to meeting them first up and it
will be a first game up North for them as well.
There’s a lot of respect from our side towards
them.”
On having the fans back…
“We can’t wait to have our fans back. In the
Reds v Grey match we had a few thousand
supporters in and the noise was incredible
when both teams ran onto the pitch, just to
experience it. From a club perspective we
love to play in Thomond Park and we can’t
wait to play in front of our supporters from a
competitive point of view. It will be great for the
opposition and for ourselves to experience that
Thomond Park feeling. We are really looking
forward to it.”
On what Zebo has brought to the squad…
“Zeebs was always a class player, he just
continued that way at Racing. I’d say he’s
certainly developed his game even more from a
maturity point of view, from a leadership point
of view. Obviously the more you play the more
experienced you become and just small little
things in terms of back-three play, the way you
attack and the way you defend and the running
line and he’s really shared that with everybody
12 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
around him. We’ve got a saying, we don’t
compete with each other, we share with each
other and he’s been really excellent with all the
lads and the younger lads. If you look at our
squad there’s some incredible competition in
that back three and everybody’s bought in and
so has he. So really good to have him around
the building.”
JACK O’DONOGHUE
On pre-season training.…
“I had a good pre-season. It was tough. The
first two weeks were very much led by the S&C
department. We got a lot of work done early on
and then were able to focus on the rugby for the
latter end of pre-season. It was very beneficial.
The group as a whole has hit the ground running.
You could see that from the performance and
result against Exeter. The group of players that
are here are a young ambitious group and are
certainly hard working. We are looking forward
to kicking off the season now on Saturday.”
period. I see myself as one of the senior players
within the group and being able to give some
words of wisdom to the younger lads when you
are on the field together is hugely beneficial.
I’ve been there in that situation…an arm around
the shoulder or a quiet word during the game
goes a long way.”
On his ambitions to represent Ireland again…
“Absolutely. That’s a major driving factor for
me personally and I think a lot of players in this
squad. You are looking at a World Cup in two
years’ time – to be
in Andy Farrell’s
squad for that is
a huge ambition
for someone like
me anyway going
forward.”
On the younger players coming
through…
“It’s been a seamless transition for
them. They might seem young but
they are certainly a confident group.
Their abilities are incredible, from the
work that they’ve done in the Academy
and the transition through that. Last
year, with Covid, it brought us all
closer together as a group. That has
eased the transition for a lot of them.
They might still be in the Academy or
just moved up to the senior system
but it feels like they’ve been around
certainly for the last two or three years
anyway.”
On his own role in the squad…
“Over the last few years I’ve been building
into more of a leadership role. Unfortunately
losing the likes of CJ, Billy, Tommy…these
lads. They were huge men within our squad
so there is that gap. Over the last
few years there has been a transition
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
13
Walk-in access
to consultant-led
urgent care.
Visit Laya Health and Wellbeing
Clinic Ennis Road, Limerick.
You can’t plan your day around accidents.
That’s why at your local Laya Health and
Wellbeing Clinic on Ennis Road, Limerick
anyone can access treatment within an hour
of arrival, with or without health insurance.
Get access to best in class walk in urgent
care clinics across Ireland open 10am to
10pm, 365 days a year. Providing treatment
for breaks, burns and sprains with fully
equipped X-ray services.
To find out more visit
layahealthcare.ie/clinics
looking after you always
Urgent care available to all aged 12+ months.
Wellbeing benefits available to laya healthcare members.
14 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
WOMEN’S RUGBY NEWS
Niamh Briggs
THE RETURN OF THE AIL
The AIL returned earlier today with Ballincollig
RFC hosting Suttonians at Tanner Park and UL
Bohemian RFC at home to Cooke.
Former international and UL Bohs players
Fiona Hayes has been busy preparing her
charges in Ballincollig after what has been a
long wait:
“We’ve been a long time waiting to get out
on the pitch to prepare for the Energia AIL,”
Hayes told IrishRugby.ie. "It was supposed
to be in 2020 and it didn’t happen so people
were training hard at home.
“It’s that test that we’re excited about. I’ve
been involved in the AIL as a player and a
coach and now it’s about trying to show
these players what it takes to survive and
thrive at that level. We’re excited to test
ourselves and see what it’s like playing 80
minutes of non-stop rugby."
Her former team mate at Ireland and
UL Bohs, Niamh Briggs will lead
Bohs for the first time as Head
Coach having been appointed
earlier this year, and has enjoyed
recent interprovincial success as
the Backs Coach with the Munster
women’s team.
Next Saturday, Oct 2, Ballincollig
travel to Cooke while UL
Bohemians travel to play
Galwegians.
#NothingLikeIt
Fiona Hayes
MUNSTER SENIOR CUP DRAW
Eight teams throughout the province will
contest this season’s Munster Senior Cup
and the draw has brought about some
exciting matchups with Munster’s two
Women’s All Ireland League clubs, UL
Bohemian RFC and Ballincollig RFC, facing
off against each other in the first round.
Tipperary Women and Dolphin RFC will be
making their Munster Senior Cup debuts
in what will be their first season after their
respective adult teams were formed earlier
this year.
Competitions Sub-Committee member
Grainne O’Connell said that the players can’t
wait to get back to competitive action after
such a long absence.
“From speaking to all the teams, all the
squads and all the players, they are just
absolutely raring to go,” O’Connell said.
“All divisional leagues will start next
weekend and shortly followed by the first
round of the Munster Senior Cup. The
players literally cannot wait to get back
and get playing again. There’s just great
excitement among everybody for it.”
2021/2022 MUNSTER WOMEN’S SENIOR CUP DRAW
Waterpark RFC v Tipperary Women – Ballinakill, 1pm, 17 October
Dolphin RFC v Kerry Women – Musgrave Park, 1pm, 17 October
Skibbereen RFC v Shannon/LIT – Skibbereen, 1pm, 17 October
Ballincollig RFC v UL Bohemian RFC – Tanner Park, 1pm, 17 October
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK 15
SHARP ALL SEASON
FORMAL WEAR PARTNERS TO MUNSTER RUGBY
PATRICK ST & CRESCENT SHOPPING CENTRE, LIMERICK • O’CONNELL ST, CLONMEL
CONNOLLYMAN.COM
mrbinman.com 1890 92 92 40
THE NAME YOU CAN TRUST FOR
QUALITY SERVICE
& BEST VALUE
PROUDLY SUPPORTING MUNSTER RUGBY
16 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
18 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
TWO GAMES PLAYED AHEAD
OF NEW SEASON
As part of the build up to today’s URC
opener, Munster played two pre-season
games in recent weeks with 44 players
involved over the two games.
Munster had been expecting to play
Bath on 4 September at Thomond Park,
however, following the cancellation of
that game, a 60-minute training match
took place in front of the limited crowd in
Thomond Park.
The Munster Grey team, captained by Rory
Scannell claimed a 38-21 win.
Munster travelled to Sandy Park on
11 September last and played out an
entertaining clash against Exeter Chiefs in
front of a big home crowd, with the visitors
winning 31-19.
The sides were level at 12-all after 40
minutes.
Thirty-one Munster players were involved
on the day with tries from Rory Scannell,
Calvin Nash (two), Neil Cronin and Roman
Salanoa. Ben Healy and Jack Crowley
added points off the tee.
The clash saw Neil Cronin make a welcome
return to action from a long-term knee
injury.
Jack O’Donoghue captained the side
with Greencore Munster Rugby Academy
quartet Mark Donnelly, Cian Hurley, Paddy
Kelly and Paddy Patterson all featuring.
MUNSTER TRAINING MATCH TEAMS
Munster Red: Matt Gallagher; Seán French, Calvin Nash,
Alex McHenry, Conor Phillips; Jack Crowley, Rowan
Osborne; Liam O’Connor, Scott Buckley, Keynan Knox;
Jean Kleyn, Fearghail O’Donoghue; Jack O’Donoghue (C),
Jack Daly, Daniel Okeke. Replacements: Mark Donnelly,
Roman Salanoa, Neil Cronin, Ben Healy.
Munster Grey: Simon Zebo; Jonathan Wren, Liam
Coombes, Rory Scannell (C), Ethan Coughlan; Jake
Flannery, Paddy Patterson; Josh Wycherley, Diarmuid
Barron, Stephen Archer; Cian Hurley, Paddy Kelly; John
Forde, Chris Cloete, Alex Kendellen. Replacements: Ronan
Loughnane, James French, Alan Flannery, Darragh French.
EXETER CHIEFS V MUNSTER
Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Dan Goggin, Rory Scannell,
Matt Gallagher; Ben Healy, Rowan Osborne; Jeremy
Loughman, Niall Scannell, Keynan Knox; Jean Kleyn,
Thomas Ahern; Jack O’Donoghue (C), Chris Cloete, Alex
Kendellen. Replacements (all used): Diarmuid Barron,
Liam O’Connor, Josh Wycherley, Roman Salanoa, Mark
Donnelly, Cian Hurley, Jack O’Sullivan, Paddy Kelly, Jack
Daly, Neil Cronin, Paddy Patterson, Jack Crowley, Jake
Flannery, Liam Coombes, Alex McHenry, Seán French.
Calvin Nash runs
in a try against
Exeter Chiefs
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
19
THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM
DHL Express Ireland is proud to start the 2021-2022
season as the Official Logistics Partner of Munster Rugby.
Together we celebrate the passion and teamwork required
for delivering excellence on and off the pitch, and we look
forward to supporting the club as the TEAM behind the TEAM.
20 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
VIRTUAL MUNSTER MASCOTS
CILLIAN REIDY
Age: 5
School: St. Nicholas NS, Adare, Co. Limerick
Hobbies: Rugby and swimming
Favourite player: Conor Murray
HARRY BARRON
Age: 7
School: St. John's NS, Cratloe, Co. Clare
Hobbies: All sports especially rugby, soccer and
GAA. Formula 1 fan. Liverpool fan.
Favourite players: Keith Earls & Peter O'Mahony
SSW Munster Rugby Halfpage.pdf 1 17/09/2021 11:15
WITH ED & VALERIE
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
21
MUNSTER RUGBY
Lock
22.02.00
H: 2.06m
W: 116.82kg
Hons: Ire U20
THOMAS AHERN
STEPHEN ARCHER
Prop
29.01.88
H:1.88m
W: 118.18kg
Hons: Ire (2 caps)
Hooker
06.08.98
H: 1.93 m
W: 98.18 kg
Hons: Ire U20
DIARMUID BARRON
TADHG BEIRNE
Lock / Back Row
08.01.92
H: 1.98 m
W: 113.18 kg
Hons: Ire (22 caps)
JOEY CARBERY
Flyhalf
01.11.95
H: 1.93m
W: 85.91kg
Hons: Ire (24 caps)
Scrum Half
19.04.99
H: 1.65 m
W: 75.91 kg
Hons: Ire (3 caps)
CRAIG CASEY
Back Row
15.02.91
H: 1.75 m
W: 105.91 kg
Hons: ~
CHRIS CLOETE
ANDREW CONWAY
Full Back/Wing
11.07.91
H: 1.8 m
W: 90 kg
Hons: Ire (25 caps)
Back Row/Lock
11.12.97
H: 1.98 m
W: 110 kg
Hons: Ire (2 caps)
GAVIN COOMBES
Wing
01.05.97
H: 1.91m
W: 89.09kg
Hons: Ire U20
LIAM COOMBES
Scrum Half
06.12.92
H: 1.73 m
W: 83.18 kg
Hons: Ire Clubs
NEIL CRONIN
Fly Half
13.01.00
H: 1.85 m
W: 89.09 kg
Hons: Ire U20
JACK CROWLEY
Back Row
12.08.98
H: 1.83 m
W: 106.82 kg
Hons: Ire U20
JACK DALY
Centre
19.12.96
H: 1.91 m
W: 91.82 kg
Hons: Ire (2 caps)
SHANE DALY
DAMIAN DE ALLENDE
Centre
25.11.91
H: 1.91 m
W: 105 kg
Hons: SA (53 caps)
KEITH EARLS
Universal Back
02.10.87
H: 1.78 m
W: 86.82 kg
Hons: Ire (93 caps)
CHRIS FARRELL
Centre
16.03.93
H: 1.91 m
W: 110 kg
Hons: Ire (15 caps)
Fly Half
07.06.99
H: 1.83m
W: 89.09kg
Hons: Ire U20
JAKE FLANNERY
Prop
22.11.98
H: 1.85 m
W: 120.91 kg
Hons: Ire U20
JAMES FRENCH
Universal Back
14.08.99
H:1.88m
W: 99.09 kg
Hons: Ire U20
SEAN FRENCH
Full Back
26.10.96
H: 1.85 m
W: 95.91 kg
Hons: Eng U20
MATT GALLAGHER
DAN GOGGIN
Centre
10.12.94
H: 1.88 m
W: 86.82 kg
Hons: Ire U20, 7s
Full Back
28.06.94
H: 1.91 m
W: 93.18 kg
Hons: Ire (1 cap)
MIKE HALEY
Fly Half
29.06.99
H:1.91 m
W: 96.82 kg
Hons: Ire U20
BEN HEALY
22 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
SQUAD 2021/22
Back Row
10.01.99
H: 1.83 m
W: 105kg
Hons: Ire U20
JOHN HODNETT
Lock
02.12.95
H: 2.03 m
W: 124.09kg
Hons: SA (1 cap)
JASON JENKINS
DAVE KILCOYNE
Prop
14.12.88
H: 1.83 m
W: 110.91 kg
Hons: Ire (45 caps)
JEAN KLEYN
Lock
26.08.93
H: 2.03m
W: 120.91 kg
Hons: Ire (5 caps)
Prop
06.04.99
H: 1.85 m
W: 115 kg
Hons: ~
KEYNAN KNOX
Prop
22.07.95
H: 1.85 m
W: 118.18 kg
Hons: ~
JEREMY LOUGHMAN
LIAM O'CONNOR
KEVIN O'BYRNE
CALVIN NASH
CONOR MURRAY
DECLAN MOORE
ALEX MCHENRY
Centre
07.10.97
H: 1.88 m
W: 95 kg
Hons: Ire U20, 7s
Hooker
20.04.89
H: 1.84 m
W: 112 kg
Hons: ~
Scrum Half
20.04.89
H: 1.88 m
W: 93.18 kg
Hons: Ire (89 caps)
Wing
08.08.97
H: 1.78 m
W: 90 kg
Hons: Ire U20
Hooker
16.04.91
H:1.8m
W: 105 kg
Hons: ~
Prop
13.07.95
H: 1.78 m
W: 110 kg
Hons: Ire U20
JACK O'DONOGHUE
Back Row
08.02.94
H: 1.91 m
W: 109.09 kg
Hons: Ire (2 caps)
PETER O'MAHONY
Back Row
17.09.89
H: 1.91 m
W: 106.82 kg
Hons: Ire (76 caps)
Back Row
01.10.98
H: 1.88 m
W: 100 kg
Hons: Ire U20
JACK O'SULLIVAN
Scrum Half
03.11.96
H: 1.7m
W: 78.18kg
Hons: Ire Sch
ROWAN OSBORNE
JOHN RYAN
Prop
02.08.88
H: 1.83 m
W: 120 kg
Hons: Ire (24 caps)
Prop
28.10.97
H: 1.83 m
W: 123.18 kg
Hons: USA U20
ROMAN SALANOA
NIALL SCANNELL
Hooker
08.04.92
H: 1.85 m
W: 110.91 kg
Hons: Ire (20 caps)
RORY SCANNELL
Centre
22.12.93
H: 1.78 m
W: 95.91 kg
Hons: Ire (3 caps)
RG SNYMAN
Lock
29.01.95
H: 1.2.06 m
W: 116.82 kg
Hons: SA (23 caps)
Lock/Back Row
11.12.97
H: 1.93 m
W: 111.82 kg
Hons: Ire (1 cap)
FINEEN WYCHERLEY
Prop
22.07.99
H: 1.83 m
W: 108.18 kg
Hons: Ire U20
JOSH WYCHERLEY
SIMON ZEBO
Wing
16.03.90
H: 1.88 m
W: 99.09 kg
Hons: Ire (35 caps)
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
23
MUNSTER RUGBY
STARTING XV
Dave Kilcoyne Niall Scannell John Ryan
Jean Kleyn
Fineen
Wycherley
Peter
O'Mahony (C)
Jack
O'Donoghue
Gavin
Coombes
Craig Casey
Joey Carbery
Simon Zebo
Rory Scannell
Dan Goggin
Andrew Conway
Mike Haley
#MUNvSHA
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Replacements
16. Diarmuid Barron 17. Jeremy Loughman 18. Keynan Knox 19. RG Snyman
20. Thomas Ahern 21. Rowan Osborne 22. Ben Healy 23. Chris Cloete
24 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
CELL C SHARKS
STARTING XV
Khwezi Mona
Kerron van
Vuuren
Thomas du Toit
Le Roux Roets
Gerbrandt
Grobler
Dylan
Richardson
Henco Venter
Phepsi
Buthelezi (C)
Ruan Pienaar
Boeta
Chamberlain
Thaakir
Abrahams
Marius Louw
Werner Kok
Yaw Penxe
Curwin Bosch
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Craig Evans (WRU)
AR1: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU)
AR2: Dermot Blake (IRFU)
TMO: Jon Mason (WRU)
Replacements
16. Fez Mbatha 17. Ntuthuko Mchunu 18. Khutha Mchunu 19. Hyron Andrews
20. Ruben van Heerden 21. Mpilo Gumede 22. Sanele Nohamba 23.Jeremy Ward
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
25
THE SPIRIT OF
UNITED RUGBY
CHAMPIONSHIP.
Enjoy responsibly
DISCOVER THE SPIRIT WITHIN |
#SAVOURTHEMOMENT
26 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
THE LOWDOWN
We take a look at tonight's opposition, the Cell
C Sharks, on their first visit to Thomond Park.
The side are based in Durban in the KwaZulu
Natal Province and play in the Jonsson Kings
Park Stadium, known as ‘The Shark Tank.’
Sean Everitt
THE SQUAD
The Sharks boast some of the most exciting
talents preparing to make their mark in the URC,
with Siya Kolisi, Makazole Mapimpi and captain
Lukhanyo Am among the star names in their
ranks. These three players, along with former
Munster player Thomas du Toit, Ox Nche, Jaden
Hendrikse, Sbu Nkosi and Aphelele Fassi were
all selected for the 2021 Rugby Championship
Springbok squad. Their squad added 12 new
names including Joaquin Diaz Bonilla, an
Argentinean outhalf from Leicester Tigers
who has played four times for his country. The
Sharks have also bolstered their squad with the
addition of players such as Bongi Mbonambi
and Ben Tapuai while Ruan Pienaar and Tian
Meyer - both of whom have PRO14 experience
on their CVs - have joined from the Cheetahs on
short-term loan deals. Eduan Keyter and former
Munster player Gerbrandt Grobler have also
been added to their ranks.
THE FORM GUIDE
The Durban outfit reached the final of the
Currie Cup but suffered a 44-10 defeat as the
Bulls claimed the title. The Cell C Sharks gave
the British and Irish Lions a scare in the second
of their two matches against the tourists, going
in 26-26 at half-time after a four-try first-half
display before eventually falling to defeat.
THOMAS DU TOIT
Age: 26
Position: Prop
Sharks Appearances: 81
Honours: Springboks (13 caps)
Height: 189cm
Weight: 130kg
THE COACHING TICKET
Sean Everitt is the Cell C Sharks Head Coach
and came up through the ranks as a former
youth coach and assistant coach to take the
helm of the Currie Cup team in 2019 before
becoming Head Coach of the Sharks in 2020.
Former Leinster Academy manager, Noel
McNamara is the attack coach. In 2018 he was
appointed head coach of the Ireland U20 side,
winning a Six Nations Grand Slam title in 2019.
Belfast born John McFarland is the defence
coach and previously coached at the Bulls with
Heyneke Meyer from 2001-2012 during which
time they won three Super Rugby titles. He has
been to two World Cups with the Springboks as
assistant coach. Forwards coach Etienne Fynn
and skills coach Phiwe Nomlomo complete the
coaching team.
ONE TO WATCH
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
27
MUNSTER RISING
MUNSTER RISING
MUNSTER RISING
OFFICIAL MEDIA
PARTNER OF
MUNSTER RUGBY
OFFICIAL MEDIA
PARTNER OF
MUNSTER RUGBY
OFFICIAL MEDIA
PARTNER OF
28 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
29
30 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
MUNSTER RECLAIM
INTERPRO TITLE
Chloe Pearse’s power-packed brace of tries
inspired Munster’s first Vodafone Women’s
Interprovincial title in four years, as they
boxed clever to beat Leinster 19-7 at
Energia Park on September 11 last.
Captain Sarah Quin lifted the trophy after
Matt Brown’s well-drilled side completed
a clean sweep of wins, adding to victories
over Ulster and Connacht (31-7) on the
previous weekends.
With Ireland involved in Rugby World Cup
qualifiers currently, this season’s Interpros
were played without the international
players. Twelve players made their senior
rugby debuts for Munster throughout this
Championship.
The three weekends of action showed that
the depth is growing under the national
team, with a number of youngsters pushing
through and previously-capped players like
Pearse (five tries in all) and Nicole Cronin
(26 points) both starring as the top try and
points scorers respectively.
A modest Pearse said afterwards: “If I’m
scoring the tries, there’s 14 other people
that put me in a good position to do so.
They’ve done the hard yards, all I’m doing
is dotting it down.
“I don’t care if I don’t score any, as long
as we win the Interpros, to be honest with
you. Winning this (player-of-the-match)
award is nothing compared to winning that
(trophy) over there.
Speaking after the final whistle, victorious
skipper Sarah Quin commented: “It feels
unbelievable. We waited three years for
this. We just wanted it so much. As I said, it
was three years in the making.
"There’s a lot of us that felt pain in 2018 and
2019 (losing to Leinster). And we just didn’t
want to lose again, so it was just about that
drive.”
Click HERE for more reaction, videos and
photos.
In August, it was announced that Bank
of Ireland have augmented their long
association with the province to include
primary sponsorship of the Women’s
Senior Squad and the women’s game in
Munster until 2023.
As with their sponsorship of the Men’s
Senior Squad, Bank of Ireland now appears
on the front of the Women’s Senior Squad
playing jersey, cementing their support of
the province across both the men’s and
women’s senior teams.
Munster Captain
Sarah Quin lifts the
Vodafone Women's
Interprovincial
Championship trophy
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
31
32 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
GETTING TO KNOW
Rowan Osborne
Rowan Osborne recently spoke to www.munsterrugby.ie about how he’s settling into
life at Munster after joining the province over the summer.
The scrum half lined out in the Munster Challenge Match and played in the pre-season
clash against Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park.
The 24-year-old Kildare native made 10 appearances for Leinster in the PRO14.
ON SETTLING IN…
“Very well. We’ve had a tough few weeks of
pre-season but I’m enjoying it. Getting on
with the lads and looking forward to getting
into the proper season.”
ON HIS RUGBY PATHWAY…
“I started off playing rugby when I was 5
or 6 years old and I’ve been playing ever
since. I played through school and played
Irish Schools. When I left school, I played
Leinster U20s and then played AIL for 4
years with Trinity. Off the back of a decent
season in 2018/19 I went into Leinster and
was there for two years.”
ON HIS EXPERIENCE OF PLAYING IN
THOMOND PARK FOR LEINSTER IN
DECEMBER 2019…
“It was a bit mad. I wasn’t supposed to
play that game but one of the other scrum
halves was sick so I ended up starting. It was
the first game I started for Leinster as well
so it was a bit of a cauldron. But it was a
really amazing experience. The crowd were
incredibly noisy that day and very hostile so
it will be nice to be on the other side of it!”
ON THE NEW TOURNAMENT FORMAT…
“It’s great to have four really strong South
African teams. Obviously, we have a couple
of them coming up, but it will be great to
have a new dimension in the league so
looking forward to seeing what they bring.
We saw a lot of their internationals on the
Lions tour over the summer so there is a lot
of quality there across the four really strong
teams so looking forward to playing them
up here and down there.”
ON HIS HOPES FOR THE SEASON AHEAD…
“I just look at it as try to get better every
week, take it week by week and try to
improve. Selection is sort
of out of your hands so all
you can do is put up your
hand up in training and
see what happens after
that. I think we have a
really strong squad of
players here so I would
think we would expect
to be competing on
both fronts for
the season.”
ON COMPETITION IN THE SQUAD…
“The depth is really good at scrum half
especially, but we will be driving each other
on and driving standards. Murray coming
back – obviously he had a great tour with
the Lions – it will be great to learn from him.
We will be pushing each other throughout
the season. Competition is a good thing.”
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
33
“With Vodafone’s mobile broadband
solution, we can do business
from anywhere.”
Oliver Kirwan, Co-Founder,
Elite Event Management.
Talk to us today about our
technology solutions across
broadband, mobile and cloud.
Search Vodafone
Business
34 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
MARKS AND SPENCER
PROUD SUPPORTERS OF THE MUNSTER
COMMUNITY RUGBY
PROGRAMME
The Big Hitters in
Data Intelligence
tqsintegration.com
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
35
RUGBY DEVELOPMENT NEWS
SUMMER PROGRAMME REVIEW
The Rugby Excellence Camp at Musgrave Park
With restrictions surrounding outdoor training
for both children and adult players easing at
the beginning of the summer, participation
programmes run by the Rugby Development
department have been at the forefront
throughout the province.
The Bank of Ireland Munster Rugby Summer
Camps were a huge success with 2,000 boys and
girls attending camps throughout the province
at 22 different venues during the months of July
and August. The camps, which were run by fully
accredited IRFU Mini Rugby coaches, provided
a safe and fun environment for children aged
6-12.
At the end of July, 120 boys aged 13-16 took
part in the Munster Rugby Excellence Camps
which were held over a one-week period in
both Musgrave Park and Thomond Park. The
Excellence Camps provided a premium rugby
experience and offered a week-long structured
rugby development programme which included
core skill development, game understanding,
position-specific training, appropriate strength
and conditioning training and teamwork.
Throughout the summer, 36 ‘Rugby On The
Green’ sessions took place throughout Cork
with over 500 children taking part. Rugby On
The Green is a part of Cork City Council and Cork
Sports Partnership’s ‘Sports On The Green’
initiative which began last year in response to
Covid-19 restrictions. The programme takes
place on housing estate greens throughout the
city and it aims to remove the barriers to sports
participation.
At the end of August, Munster Rugby held an
Inclusion Camp at Ballincollig RFC. The camp
was open to children of all disabilities aged
6-12 and it focuses on adapting rugby to meet
the needs of camp attendees to maximise their
enjoyment. Twenty-one children participated in
the Inclusion Camp.
36 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
With children now back at school, it is hoped
that many of those who experienced rugby for
the first time throughout the summer will now
seek out a club for further participation.
Rugby Participation and Operations Manager,
Damon Urlich, said:
“Despite the challenges which were posed by
Covid-19 and the associated restrictions, we
experienced great participation in our various
programmes, particularly the Bank of Ireland
Munster Rugby Summer Camps. I’d like to say
thank you to the public for their understanding
and patience as we worked through the new
procedures and protocols for the camps this
year. Our appreciation also goes out to our
staff who provided a brilliant experience to the
children in all of the different programmes run
throughout the summer.”
energy, enthusiasm and planning of our staff.
The feedback from parents was all about how
good the coaches were to their children and
the great rugby experience that was provided
to them.”
CLICK HERE for videos and content from the
Summer programmes.
Rugby on the Green in Blarney
Participation Coordinator Ray Gadsden added
that “the success of our camps were due to the
CCRO INDUCTION DAY
Munster Rugby held an induction day at
Musgrave Park last week for this season’s Club
& Community Rugby Officers (CCROs).
The CCROs will be working with clubs and
schools across the province over the next eight
months, introducing rugby into the school
through PE classes and helping to link the
schools with their local clubs.
The induction day allowed the CCROs to plan
their schedules for the coming season and also
to go through the various drills and games that
they will be implementing with the playing
groups throughout the year.
These drills and games are designed with the
aim that the players experience maximum
enjoyment and a love of the sport.
The role of a CCRO is very important as they
are one of the first links between the schools
and the clubs.
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
37
Supporting the Red Army
On & Off the Field
Official Medical & Sports Injury
Partner to Munster Rugby
@medicarefirstaid
@physiologix_sports
38 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
ZEBO KEEN TO GET STUCK IN
Simon Zebo returned to Munster during
the Summer after three seasons with
Racing 92 and featured in the recent
training match here in Thomond Park.
Munster’s all-time record try-scorer
returns to the club where he made 144
appearances and scored 60 tries between
2010 and 2018.
The Cork man is revelling in getting
reacquainted with some familiar faces at
the HPC and getting to know some new
ones:
“It’s great to be back. I haven’t stopped
smiling since I’ve been back. Enjoying
every minute of it. It’s been fantastic. Great
group of guys.
“There are some familiar faces in the mix
as well. I’m very happy to be home.”
Zebo has been very impressed with some
of the young talent that has started to make
their mark:
“Some unbelievable young athletes and
some really skilful guys here – the Jake
Flannerys, the Jack Crowleys, Daniel
Okeke…these guys have been pushing it
on really far. There’s a great buzz around
the camp, great buzz around the team. A
great blend of youth and experience. I’m
really looking forward to the new season.”
In Paris, he made 60 appearances for
Racing 92, scoring 21 tries.
“There were some seriously talented
players over at Racing. They brought a new
mindset and a different way of thinking. It
was a lot of fun to play with them. More
importantly they were a great group of
guys and I’ve made some friends for life, so
I’ll take that experience with me for a very
long time.”
Zebo is excited about the season ahead
and looking forward to seeing the fans
return:
“Just to get to run out in Thomond Park
and put the boots on and run around with
your friends again is what it’s all about and
I’m very, very excited to do that.
“We are building really nicely into the
season. To be able to play back here with
the fans here again will be very special.
The last time I was here in a different jersey
there was a full house. We are building
towards it – not a full house yet – but I can’t
wait for the day I put on the red jersey and
play in front of a full house. I can’t wait to
get stuck in.”
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
39
Meet our
new fly half...
We’re making it easy for you to book your perfect holiday from
Shannon Airport. With great speed, efficiency and handling
ability, paired with a vision to see all options, flyshannon.ie
has the expert skills to kick start your perfect sun holiday or
city break. Let us do the hard work so you can enter into full
holiday mode as soon as you visit Flyshannon.ie.
Book Now
061 575 490
flyshannon.ie
Find & Book at
40 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
PROUDLY SUPPORTING
MUNSTER RUGBY
Gilbert x Munster Programme Advert_165x12mm_5mm Bleed.pdf 1 06/10/2020 10:07
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
41
42 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
UPDATED COVID-19 GUIDANCE
Sport Ireland have issued a guidance note
to help the rugby community manage the
easing of restrictions and put appropriate
practises in place that will help us all
emerge from the COVID-19 crisis.
CLICK HERE to Download Sport Ireland
Guidance Note
This note supersedes all previous
guidelines issued by both the IRFU and
Sport Ireland. Where any doubt remains,
clubs and schools are expected to abide
by all public health guidelines and exercise
their own judgement.
In line with this document, use of pods
is not required for rugby training from
September 20th onwards.
Clubs and schools should continue to have
an up-to-date COVID-19 Health & Safety
Plan inc. Risk Assessment. COVID-19
Safety Officers, Compliance Officers and
Committees are asked to remain in place.
All members of the rugby community
should continue to exercise the basics of
COVID-19 safety that will continue to be
effective, particularly in the winter season.
These include staying at home/restricting
movements if symptomatic, coughing and
sneezing etiquette, hand hygiene and the
wearing of face coverings in congregated
indoor settings.
The IRFU recommends use of the
COVID-19 Tracker App throughout the
2021/22 season.
What measures will be in place from
September 20 to October 22?
Sport Ireland have mapped out a series
of protective measures that will help keep
clubs and schools safe from September 20
to October 22.
The measures outlined address:
• Transport To and From Activities &
Events
• Showers / Changing Rooms / Sports
Clubhouse Gyms
• Indoor Meetings & Educational /
Coaching Courses
• Health Questionnaires
• Substantial distance Among Pods
• Sharing Of Equipment
• Use of Masks
• COVID Infrastructure Post October 22
• Ventilation
Rugby clubs are asked to note, in
particular:
Buses used by clubs and schools for
rugby should operate at 75% capacity in
line with private coach tour activity, not
100% capacity in line with public transport
capacity as previously advised. Protective
measures on buses such as physical
distancing and mask wearing should
remain in place for this period.
As previously advised by the IRFU, shower
and changing facilities can reopen from
September 20 with protective measures
in place. Measures should include a time
limit on use of facilities and restricting
facilities only to those who need them.
Physical distancing measures should also
be in place e.g., making only every second
shower/hanger available.
Sport Ireland recommend the wearing
of masks in shared indoor areas, with
showers an exception.
Indoor meetings should take place in line
with government guidelines on indoor
activity.
Use of IRFU COVID-19 Personal
Assessment Declarations should remain in
place until at least October 22.
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
43
44 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
FOUR TEAMS REMAIN IN
MUNSTER SENIOR CHALLENGE CUP
The semi-finalists of the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup and Plate
competitions are now known after the quarter finals were played last weekend.
Highfield booked their place in the semifinals
for a second successive season,
beating Crescent 31-32 in a cracking game
in Limerick.
Holders Young Munster had a decisive 34-
15 win over UL Bohemian at Tom Clifford
Park.
Cashel came from behind to beat Nenagh
Ormond 10-7 with Garryowen brushing
aside the challenge of Bruff with a 48-10
win at Kilballyowen Park.
In the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior
Challenge Plate, Midleton lost 49-12
away to Shannon at Coonagh while Cork
Constitution defeated Dolphin 55-10.
UCC defeated Clonmel 33-15 in what was
a spirited performance from the Tipperary
side.
Sunday’s Well saw off the challenge of
Kilfeacle with a 20-10 away win.
BANK OF IRELAND
MUNSTER SENIOR CHALLENGE CUP
Bruff 10-48 Garryowen
Nenagh Ormond 7-10 Cashel
Old Crescent 31-32 Highfield
Young Munster 34-15 UL Bohemian RFC
BANK OF IRELAND
MUNSTER SENIOR CHALLENGE PLATE
Clonmel 15-33 UCC
Cork Constitution 55-10 Dolphin
Kilfeacle 14-20 Sunday’s Well
Shannon 49-12 Midleton
SEMI-FINALS BANK OF IRELAND
MUNSTER SENIOR CHALLENGE CUP
Cashel v Garryowen
Highfield v Young Munster
BANK OF IRELAND MUNSTER
SENIOR CHALLENGE PLATE
Shannon v UCC
Sunday’s Well v Cork Constitution
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
45
46 WWW.MUNSTERRUGBY.IE
MUNSTER RUGBY
SHOP THE
2021/22 RANGE
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
47
Available Now
gilbertrugby.com
The oval trim design is a registered trademark of Gilbert Rugby.
MUNSTER V CELL C SHARKS | 25.09.21 | THOMOND PARK
48
Change language