Will you support another province in the final

LeeroyJones

I was talking to a few English friends of mine regarding the Champions League and whether or not they would support any English team in the final regardless of who they originally support, and most of the said they would support the English side. I've heard people discuss this regarding the provinces in rugby but never really got the general opinion, hence the poll!!!

kmick

Yes Id support Leinster if Munster got knocked out.

spoon

I would shout for any Irish team that is playing, the only time another province wouldn't get my full support is when they're playing Munster!

holly1

What poll!!!!!!!!!!

NotWormBoy

Regardless of who wins between Munster and Leinster, I'd be supporting the Irish team in the final. I'd obviously prefer if it was Leinster, but in their stead Munster (or Ulster or Connacht) will do nicely!

Gelio

I'm a Leinster fan and I will support Munster if they get to the final.

Davie_m

if the worse comes to the worst for leinster on the 2nd i'm pretty sure i will be over it to support munster on the 23rd

r0nanf

I think if someone didn't want to see an Irish treble (HC,ML,6N) just because their team wasn't involved I'd have to accuse them of being pretty juvenile.

So who is the juvenile one?

budhabob

I'm a munster supporter, with a final ticket, and i'll shout for the irish team regardless (still wear the munster jersey obviously).

hardCopy

I'd probably support Munster quietly and discreetly. I don't think I could ever admit it to any of my Munster friends

stephen_n

Leinster fan but an Irish man so of course I'd support Munster if they beat Leinster in the semi!

Micky Dolenz

I would rather see an Irish team win the cup than not. If Leinster beat Munster I will cheer for them and hope O' Driscoll picks up an award that his skill deserves.

toomevara

I'm a Munster man, but of course I'll be shouting for Leinster (at Murrayfield) if they make the final..It says much about the current eejitry investing irish rugby that such a question is even necessary, and as for the two articles who've clicked the fifth option..shame on you...

*edit* 'six' articles

rentacrowd

Met loads of Leinster fans in 2006 in Cardiff who had booked the final in the run up to the semi, they all were supporting Munster. Will definately be returning the favour. I don't think i could have gone to Cardiff in 2006 to support Leinster considering we had never won it at this stage, would have shouted for them in the pub at home tho.

anonymous_joe

Watched the Saracens game and the Toulouse game with the lads. Supported Munster almost whole heartedly. Just wish it was Leinster in there soon.

dreamer_ire

I'll be shouting for the Munster boys like a demon on May 2nd but regardless of who wins I'll be in Edinburgh shouting for the Irish provence on the 23rd. Can't understand anyone who wouldn't.

Podge_irl

I wouldn't actively support Munster if they got to the final. I'll watch the game and hope they win, but it honestly wouldn't bother me massively either way. If I was at the stadium I'd definitely support them but I'd be unlikely to be roaring my head off at the TV back home like I would if it was Leinster.

ScrubsfanChris

If Munster lose (cough) I couldn't care less who wins.

Rigel

I would have thought it was only natural to support an Irish team but the ludicrous and childish antics of the LRSC over the past week have given me second thoughts. I bought my tickets for Edinburgh last May and regardless of who goes through the four of us are going to be there and wearing RED. I voted "I'm a Munster fan and will support Leinster in the final should the beat us" but careful now!

Micky Dolenz

Looking at the poll, there are either no Ulster fans or there are, and they will not support another Irish team in the final.

Thats the spirit:pac:

bleg

i've got a ticket to the final but seeing as it's sold out i'd sell it to a leinster fan so i could go on my class trip to lahinch.

LeeroyJones

ScrubsfanChris wrote: »

If Munster lose (cough) I couldn't care less who wins.

you're certainly entitled to your opinion but it is a dissapointing attitude

Fortunatly, by looking at the poll, it's only a minority who have that attitude

Eoin

LeeroyJones wrote: »

you're certainly entitled to your opinion but it is a dissapointing attitude

Fortunatly, by looking at the poll, it's only a minority who have that attitude

Hopefully there aren't too many people like that around - they add nothing to Irish rugby.

Chucky the tree

I voted my province or nothing. I have no interest in leinster rugby, I cant stand most their fans, I spend the majority of the year wishing they lose so it's pretty much impossible for me to switch my support at the drop of the hat like so bandwagoner. I'd watch the match but I'd watch it as it was a Leciester vs Quinns final, not to pushed who wins I just hope it's a good game.

Eoin

Chucky the tree wrote: »

I voted my province or nothing. I have no interest in leinster rugby, I cant stand most their fans, I spend the majority of the year wishing they lose so it's pretty much impossible for me to switch my support at the drop of the hat like so bandwagoner.

That seems like a sad and bitter way to be.

Davie_m

Chucky the tree wrote: »

I voted my province or nothing. I have no interest in leinster rugby, I cant stand most their fans, I spend the majority of the year wishing they lose so it's pretty much impossible for me to switch my support at the drop of the hat like so bandwagoner. I'd watch the match but I'd watch it as it was a Leciester vs Quinns final, not to pushed who wins I just hope it's a good game.

I dont consider it jumping on the band wagon... its not as if i will go out and buy a Munster jersey the very next day and learn off some song about some field :pac:

Leinster is the team i support but in the over all picture i would much prefer to see the Heineken cup in Ireland rather than wales/england..

Chucky the tree

eoin wrote: »

That seems like a sad and bitter way to be.

I think it's great way to be. A major reason people like sports is the rivalry and banter it brings. I doubt you'd ever find a Dub who would support meath in the GAA or a cork man who would support Kerry. I find it strange how people can be ridiculingthe leinster team one week and then wearing one their jerseys the next week. I know people say "Oh sure it's good for Irish rugby" but I have no idea where the hell they get that idea from, maybe someone can explain it? If leinster win the HEC they will have more money/a increased profile to attract better players to the club, how is this a good thing for Munster/Irish rugby? Look at Munster, there drive/desire for the HEC cup lead to them signing players like Cullen, mafi, Howlett, Topoki, etc.

thomond2006

Chucky the tree wrote: »

I voted my province or nothing. I have no interest in leinster rugby, I cant stand most their fans, I spend the majority of the year wishing they lose so it's pretty much impossible for me to switch my support at the drop of the hat like so bandwagoner. I'd watch the match but I'd watch it as it was a Leciester vs Quinns final, not to pushed who wins I just hope it's a good game.

-1 x 10000000000000000. :mad::mad::mad:

That's just bad, m8.

Eoin

Chucky the tree wrote: »

I think it's great way to be. A major reason people like sports is the rivalry and banter it brings.

I don't think you can really use the word "banter" to describe the nasty undercurrent that seems to be prevalent in some provincial fans.

I think you are 100% wrong, and I really hope that you are a minority.

/unsubscribes before I say something ban worthy.

LeeroyJones

Chucky the tree wrote: »

I think it's great way to be. A major reason people like sports is the rivalry and banter it brings. I doubt you'd ever find a Dub who would support meath in the GAA or a cork man who would support Kerry. I find it strange how people can be ridiculingthe leinster team one week and then wearing one their jerseys the next week. I know people say "Oh sure it's good for Irish rugby" but I have no idea where the hell they get that idea from, maybe someone can explain it? If leinster win the HEC they will have more money/a increased profile to attract better players to the club, how is this a good thing for Munster/Irish rugby? Look at Munster, there drive/desire for the HEC cup lead to them signing players like Cullen, mafi, Howlett, Topoki, etc.

When would Meath or Kerry ever be playing a non-Irish team exactly for this scenario ever to arise!!!

Also , Munster had the highest amount of homegrown players out of any matchday 22 in the quater finals!!!

Like somebody said before, nobody is asking you to become an RDS season-ticket holder, it's a one off game!!!

Chucky the tree

I expected the re-action and I' happily admit it's bad form of me and I'm sad and bitter etc but I cant change the way I feel and I certainly cant do it for 1 game. And tbh I'll actually rather Lecister to win then Leinster, I know if Leciester score a last minute try(geordran Murphy please) that I'll laughing hysterically on the insde. One thing I will say is that I think any Leinster or Munster fan who goes to the final if their team isnt in it is a disgrace, especially the ones who still wear the Munster or Leinster jersey.

NickNolte

Chucky the tree wrote: »

I expected the re-action and I' happily admit it's bad form of me and I'm sad and bitter etc but I cant change the way I feel and I certainly cant do it for 1 game. And tbh I'll actually rather Lecister to win then Leinster, I know if Leciester score a last minute try(geordran Murphy please) that I'll laughing hysterically on the insde. One thing I will say is that I think any Leinster or Munster fan who goes to the final if their team isnt in it is a disgrace, especially the ones who still wear the Munster or Leinster jersey.

You're obviously more interested in inter-provincial rivalry than you are in the growth of Irish rugby then. I would also suggest you're a blow-in rugby 'fan' and have probably never played perhaps? Your attitude when you say you "don't like" Leinster supporters paints you, indefinitely, as a rather unfortunate character. Irish rugby doesn't want you around. If you have tickets for the semi-final, give them to a real Munster fan. It's only fair.

Chucky the tree

NickNolte wrote: »

You're obviously more interested in inter-provincial rivalry than you are in the growth of Irish rugby then. I would also suggest you're a blow-in rugby 'fan' and have probably never played perhaps? Your attitude when you say you "don't like" Leinster supporters paints you, indefinitely, as a rather unfortunate character. Irish rugby doesn't want you around. If you have tickets for the semi-final, give them to a real Munster fan. It's only fair.

:pac:

How excactly is it good for Irish rugby? Do you think once they win the HEC they'll stop buying foreign imports like Elsom and CJ to take places of young Irish players? Maybe they'll use that extra money they get from winning it on signing Healey and O'brien to extended contracts, unbloody likely.

NickNolte

Chucky the tree wrote: »

:pac:


How excactly is it good for Irish rugby?

A healthy respect for those eligible to wear the green jersey and their fans, even if they're not primary supporters of your province, is good for the national team. Most importantly though, it deters complete retards from 'supporting' rugby. Doesn't sift them all out though unfortunately.

Chucky the tree

NickNolte wrote: »

A healthy respect for those eligible to wear the green jersey and their fans, even if they're not primary supporters of your province, is good for the national team. Most importantly though, it deters complete retards from 'supporting' rugby. Doesn't sift them all out though unfortunately.

So if Lecister get to the final I can support geordan murhpy and I'll be fine. Phew. Next time your talking to Irish rugby tell them I can still be apart of them. :pac:

NickNolte

Chucky the tree wrote: »

So if Lecister get to the final I can support geordan murhpy and I'll be fine.

Of course. Pretty little thing like you can support whoever she likes.

Sangre

Unlike others I think you do have some points however I think it benefits rugby if as many players as possible play at the highest level. Having players play in a HC semi final/final and winning OR losing is a huge lesson for them that can be used in other high pressure scenarios e.g 6N, RWC. You know what they say, the best way to get better is play someone better than you.

Not to mention playing alongside talented imports and fighting for positions with them helps the youngesters train, play and fight for their spot harder.

Chucky the tree

Great to see you keeping the stereotypical attitude of a leinster fan going Nick. Is it any wonder I dont want them to win?

Davie_m

Chucky the tree wrote: »

:pac:

How excactly is it good for Irish rugby? Do you think once they win the HEC they'll stop buying foreign imports like Elsom and CJ to take places of young Irish players? Maybe they'll use that extra money they get from winning it on signing Healey and O'brien to extended contracts, unbloody likely.

well the two talked about signings for leinster for next season are ross and reddan both irish bred and both irish qualified..

i seriously dont think healy would be doing as well as he is without the likes of van der linde and le roux around him this year and also would say o brien is picking up a thing or two from elsom..

this is beside the point anyhow
the reason why its great that the other provinces doing well is good for irish rugby is that it keeps it competitive.. if it was only one province winning everything and the others miles behind we could end up in the same situation as scotland with the borders being dissolved.

by having the other provinces having the funds means the matches are not walk overs and more exciting to watch..

I rather to see leinster go tooth and nail against a full strenght ulster/ connacht/munster team than have them demolish each team because their the only ones with the funds...

but thats just my point of view

Chucky the tree

Sangre wrote: »

Unlike others I think you do have some points however I think it benefits rugby if as many players as possible play at the highest level. Having players play in a HC semi final/final and winning OR losing is a huge lesson for them that can be used in other high pressure scenarios e.g 6N, RWC. You know what they say, the best way to get better is play someone better than you.

Not to mention playing alongside talented imports and fighting for positions with them helps the youngesters train, play and fight for their spot harder.

Fair points there and ones I didnt think of. I definitly agree talented imports do have a big benefit but I'm starting to worry it's getting a bit much, especially when they are playing crucial positions like tight-headand and out-half. I also think having two imports taking up two positions is a bad thing aswell, re the centre position at munster which has been dominated by Mafi and Tipoki and with rumors of JDV coming in it doesnt look like helping it. It's great to see Leinster go after Mike Ross and Eoin Reddan though, two Irish players playing two crucial positions is an excellent step forward.

thehighground

Chucky the tree wrote: »

So if Lecister get to the final I can support geordan murhpy and I'll be fine. Phew. Next time your talking to Irish rugby tell them I can still be apart of them. :pac:

Chucky, think of the Munster v Leicester rivalry. So far Toulouse has won it x 3 times, and Leicester has won it x 2, back-to-back. Just makes it a bit harder for Munster to catch up, having just won it twice and never back-to-back.

Secondly, if an Irish province wins the Heineken Cup, the prize money doesn't go to the province that wins, but to the IRFU who distribute it between the Provinces. Think of the bragging rights when you go on holidays - all European rugby silver (hopefully) is spending the year in Ireland.

They are two very good reasons (as a Munster fan) why I'd want Leinster to win rather than Leicester or Cardiff. And I won't be buying a Leinster jersey or anything, but I'd be wearing blue.

Chucky the tree

Davie_m wrote: »

well the two talked about signings for leinster for next season are ross and reddan both irish bred and both irish qualified..

i seriously dont think healy would be doing as well as he is without the likes of van der linde and le roux around him this year and also would say o brien is picking up a thing or two from elsom..

this is beside the point anyhow
the reason why its great that the other provinces doing well is good for irish rugby is that it keeps it competitive.. if it was only one province winning everything and the others miles behind we could end up in the same situation as scotland with the borders being dissolved.

by having the other provinces having the funds means the matches are not walk overs and more exciting to watch..

I rather to see leinster go tooth and nail against a full strengh ulster/ connacht/munster team than have them demolish each team because their the only ones with the funds...

but thats just my point of view

thehighground wrote: »

Chucky, think of the Munster v Leicester rivalry. So far Toulouse has won it x 3 times, and Leicester has won it x 2, back-to-back. Just makes it a bit harder for Munster to catch up, having just won it twice and never back-to-back.

Secondly, if an Irish province wins the Heineken Cup, the prize money doesn't go to the province that wins, but to the IRFU who distribute it between the Provinces. Think of the bragging rights when you go on holidays - all European rugby silver (hopefully) is spending the year in Ireland.

They are two very good reasons (as a Munster fan) why I'd want Leinster to win rather than Leicester or Cardiff. And I won't be buying a Leinster jersey or anything, but I'd be wearing blue.

I definitly dont want Leinster to disappear and I'd support Connaught/Ulster in improving or in the Challenge cup the same way I'd support Leinster in the challenge cup.

If Leinster were on the other side of the draw I'd most likely support them. But if Leinster beat Munster and win the HEC I know I will looking at BOD walking up to collect the trophy thinking "If it wasnt for Leinster POC would be celebrating a double now". Big fair play to everyone else who can unbiasedly and whole heartedly support their provincial rival after getting knocked out by them because I know I never will.

Judgement Day

I think the Poll says it all. Most real Irish rugby fans are not as bitter and narrowminded as some posters here. Good humoured rivalry is one thing but bitter tribalism we can do without. I know that during the HC quarter finals most people in my local pub were shouting for Munster in the match against Ospreys and then got right behind Leinster in the following match and that included a large band of diehard Munster shirt wearing supporters like myself . Some of the posters here would be better off sticking with footie where petty minded tribalism is a badge of honour. :p:p

Mr Clonfadda

Personally i'm delighted that i'll get to support an irish team in the final but i wouldn't go out and buy a blue rugby shirt, even though cousin played for leinster in years gone by.

stephen_n

Chucky the tree wrote: »

I think it's great way to be. A major reason people like sports is the rivalry and banter it brings. I doubt you'd ever find a Dub who would support meath in the GAA or a cork man who would support Kerry. I find it strange how people can be ridiculingthe leinster team one week and then wearing one their jerseys the next week. I know people say "Oh sure it's good for Irish rugby" but I have no idea where the hell they get that idea from, maybe someone can explain it? If leinster win the HEC they will have more money/a increased profile to attract better players to the club, how is this a good thing for Munster/Irish rugby? Look at Munster, there drive/desire for the HEC cup lead to them signing players like Cullen, mafi, Howlett, Topoki, etc.

Think you probably would at this stage if Meath were playing Kerry or one of the northern teams but as someone said it is besides the point as what we are talking about involves clubs from outside Ireland and no one has ever suggested switching alliegence or buying the jersey, It's about supporting irish rugby or are you so parochial that you think that doesn't include anything outside Munster?

RichTea

NickNolte wrote: »

You're obviously more interested in inter-provincial rivalry than you are in the growth of Irish rugby then. I would also suggest you're a blow-in rugby 'fan' and have probably never played perhaps? Your attitude when you say you "don't like" Leinster supporters paints you, indefinitely, as a rather unfortunate character. Irish rugby doesn't want you around. If you have tickets for the semi-final, give them to a real Munster fan. It's only fair.

Anyone who wouldn't support another Irish province in a Heineken Cup Final is a fool. What has happened to our great game when Irish rugby fans can't be happy or proud to see an Irish team succeed.

From a Munster fan's perspective: We've won it twice now, if Leinster are good enough to beat us in the semi final then fair play to them. I'd be more than happy to see them fly the flag for Ireland in the final.

Naturally I'd be happier to see Munster make it through but I wouldn't begrudge Leinster any potential success.

juvenal

I was lucky enough to be at three HEC finals over the past few years, two of which were Munster's victories in Cardiff. Despite the fact that I'm not a Munster 'fan', I was a Munster supporter on both occasions and was delighted that they won. It wasn't out of any particular desire to be on a bandwagon, or to be seen to be supporting the winning team, in fact quite the opposite.

In any of the sports that I follow, of which there are quite a few, I support the actual sport or game before I subscribe to any particular team. To me, that means that my hierarchy of support is as follows:

• The laws/rules, ethics and spirit of the particular game/sport;
• My national team (where applicable);
• My provincial/county team;
• The team/individual/club that I have a particular affinity for, which can be for a number of particular reasons - personal preference, historical reasons etc.

In the case of the Heineken Cup Finals, my country were not playing, and nor were my province/club, so therefore I support the team that I share the most common bond with. In this case it's that they are my country's representative in an international competition, and by virtue of the fact that they were Ireland's sole representative in the final, they represent me to a degree. The issue that they are sometime rivals to my particular club or province is irrelevant, as my team were not involved in this particular match.

Irrespective of who triumphs on Saturday week in Croke Park, they can count on my support in the final in Murrayfield. Maybe from a neutral's point of view one would like Leinster to shade it as they've yet to win the competition and Munster have won it twice, or perhaps one would like Munster to win it for a record-tying third time and underline their status as the premier team in European club rugby.

Either way, the winners of the semi-final will be the sole Irish representative in the final of Europe's premier club/provincial rugby competition. I would find it difficult to accept that someone could honestly see themselves as an Irish supporter and yet, based on an internal rivalry, withhold that support should their particular province fail to qualify.

May the best team win, and from an Irish supporter, the very best of luck in the final.

ironingbored

Chucky the tree wrote: »

And tbh I'll actually rather Lecister to win then Leinster, I know if Leciester score a last minute try(geordran Murphy please) that I'll (be) laughing hysterically on the insde.

...on my own in a dark room with no windows.

Chucky the tree wrote: »

One thing I will say is that I think any Leinster or Munster fan who goes to the final if their team isnt in it is a disgrace, especially the ones who still wear the Munster or Leinster jersey.

You would be hard pressed to find a statement as pathetic or crass as this anywhere on the internet never mind boards.ie.

juvenal

ironingbored wrote: »

You would be hard pressed to find a statement as pathetic or crass as this anywhere on the internet never mind boards.ie.

It's rather silly alright.

On both occasions I was at the Munster finals, I wore an Irish jersey, as I don't have a Munster jersey. That green shirt states that I'm an Irish supporter, and as a result of that, I'm obviously a Munster supporter against two French finalists.

Because my particular team or province didn't qualify for the final, does that mean that I should relinquish my ticket that was booked when the first batch go on sale the previous October? First and foremost, as you can see from my last post, I'm a rugby supporter. If I don't follow rugby, how can I support a team that plays the sport?

So as rugby supporters, my family have attended every HEC final since 2005, and will continue to do so next month in Murrayfield. It mattered not a jot that the first one we travelled to was Toulouse-Stade Francais, or that in 2007 it was Wasps-Leicester. That we are rugby supporters, coupled with the fact that it is annually one of the best weekends in the sporting calendar, is the reason that we go. If our particular team make it to the final, even better, but if they don't we'll still be there supporting the team that we have the most affinity with and enjoy the fantastic atmosphere.

But then I guess we're likely to be criticised by the "real rugby supporters" who can't get their hands on a ticket, because they only decided to attend at the last minute, after their team qualified.;)

crisco10

Leinster fan here and although I will be willing Munster to fail on the 2nd, should Munster overcome Leinster I would sit down and watch the final. all the while cheering Munster on.

Just couldn't understand why not. Was at the Ulster - Colomiers final in 1999 and remember being deleriously happy they won.

Benedict XVI

NickNolte wrote: »

You're obviously more interested in inter-provincial rivalry than you are in the growth of Irish rugby then. I would also suggest you're a blow-in rugby 'fan' and have probably never played perhaps? Your attitude when you say you "don't like" Leinster supporters paints you, indefinitely, as a rather unfortunate character. Irish rugby doesn't want you around. If you have tickets for the semi-final, give them to a real Munster fan. It's only fair.

And I am sure there are plenty more this him/her.

I am not a rugby fan but I have been amazed at the bandwagon that Munster (and the Irish national team) have gathered over the past few years, especially the people from places like Mayo that have joined.

I reckon there would be nowhere near the amount of respect/congratulation/kudos whatever you wish to call it from people all over Ireland given to Lenister if they won the EC that what Munster got