But the sport is still feeling the effects and is maybe even paying a price for doing so as well. Of the dozen Leinster-Munster games in the various reiterations of this competition, last May’s turnout was the only time it failed to break the 40,000 mark. There are a myriad of other factors at work here, both generally and in relation to this specific fixture. In truth, the rivalry has been remarkable, so much so that Leinster-Munster games have consistently been the best supported non-Test fixture in world rugby for over a decade. Cullen also maintained that next Saturday, like last Friday in Galway, will still be a celebration of Irish provincial derbies.

Source: The Irish Times October 18, 2022 18:57 UTC