Simon Easterby’s 36-man squad contains only five Munster players, the same as Connacht, one more than Ulster, and 18 less than Leinster. Eanna McCarthy during Munster squad training at Thomond Park. Talking to several well-placed people inside Munster rugby the primary problem appears to be the ongoing attempt to ape the Leinster system without having anything like similar resources and competitive standards. So disaffected have the Cork rugby fraternity become that many have ceased travelling to Thomond Park for games. The fervent hope remains that Munster secure a home Round of 16 tie, that somehow they even earn an overdue Thomond Park quarter-final.

Source: The Irish Times January 18, 2025 19:09 UTC