Rugby brotherhood, stronger than ever.
The actions from Ulster Rugby over the last fortnight have been nothing short of class.
The northern province have stood as one with Munster since news broke of Anthony Foley’s tragic passing in Paris, on October 16.
Ulster held a respectful minutes’ silence for Foley last weekend, their fans sang Fields of Athenry in his honour, there was a book of condolence opened at Kingspan Stadium and a plaque [below] was unveiled in the ‘Away’ dressing room before tonight’s game.
But the post-match actions of the Ulster squad prove the bonds of rugby are tight in this small nation.
Mere minutes after the final whistle sounded at Kingspan Stadium, and delivered Munster a 15-14 victory, Ulster captain Rob Herring led his teammates, armed with boxes of beer, into that away dressing room.
Great to have this fitting tribute from @UlsterRugby in our changing room. Close to our hearts #Axel #RugbyFamily pic.twitter.com/87s7IJHZHD
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) October 28, 2016
Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus said:
“From last week, with the funeral, Les Kiss and Rory Best were there. The support was there. They wanted to help us.
“As I said last week, I’ve got so much respect for Irish people over the last two weeks. I always respected them but that grew over the past two weeks.
“It is always tough to come in when you lose a game but they came in with a few protein shakes and beers afterward. That takes special men to do that. They obviously have a special spirit here. It is humbling to [do] this.
“It doesn’t happen much in professional rugby any more – guys come over to your changing room and share a beer with you – so it was nice.”
Kiss, the Ulster directory of rugby, was crestfallen after his side gave up a 14-0 lead to lose by a point.
He was pleased, though, that so many of his squad put their disappointment to one side and backed up their pre-match words to share a beer with their Munster brothers. He said
“We made a gesture or two, to stand with them, and have a beer and a chat.
“While it is a battle out there, and we go at each other, there are some things that are bigger and better than the game. One of those things is that we go in there and respect them because they have been through some tough times.
“We do it, too, out of respect for Axel. It’s just a shame that the beer wasn’t as sweet as I would have liked it to be.”
The beer may not have been sweet for Ulster but the gesture will not be forgotten any time soon by everyone connected to Munster Rugby.
Fair play to the Ulster lads.
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