ercrugby.com takes a closer look at Munster, Heineken Cup finalists in 2000 and 2002...

MUNSTER

The Munster branch was formed in 1879. Munster Branch is the administrative body that oversees the activeties of the clubs and province of Munster.

The Munster playing staff is an all star lineup of players who play for local sides as well as the province. - clubs like Shannon, Cork Constitution and GarryOwen. These clubs play in the All-Ireland League.

Munster have tradionally sourced players only from Ireland, but began selecting overseas players at the start of the professional era.

Unlike many clubs and provinces around the world, Munster has resisted the temptation to have a mascot.

Munster have traditionally worn red shirts, white shorts and red socks.

The 'three crowns' emblem used by Munster was a common symbol throughout medieval Europe. It is connected with the story of the three wise men/kings of the New Testament Gospel of St Matthew. It was a symbol of the English lordship of Ireland until replaced by the during the reign of Henry VIII.

Munster famously beat New Zealand 12-0 in 1978 and Australia 22-19 in 1992.

Munster have never lost a Celtic League or Heineken Cup game in Thomond Park The last time they lost a competitive game at Thomond park was in 1995.

Their only home Heineken cup defeat came against Cardiff in `1997/98 in Musgrave Park.

Munster's venues: Thomond Park, and Musgrave Park hold 12,000 and 8,000 fans respectively

THE FANS

Munster have a supporters club limited to 1500 - needless to say they have full membership.

For away days, Munster are one of the best supported sides in Europe, between 2-3000 attended the game in Perpignan.

The fans favourite songs include 'The Fields of Athenry' and 'Beautiful Beautiful Munster's' -the words of which read "Beautiful beautiful Munsters, Star of my own fade away, I sigh when I think of young Munster, With who I've played many a game."

To get a good pint or plate of food around the ground, the locals recommend taking a 10 minute taxi ride to the city centre and visiting rugby pubs like Clohessys or Schooners.

The late Richard Harris was a furvent supporter - click here to read an article

Squad sessions alternate between Cork and Limerick and games alternate between Musgrave Park in Cork (8,000) and Thomond park in Limerick (12,000). They always sell out for Heineken Cup games.

THE PLAYERS

British and Irish Lion Mick Galwey has made the most appearances for Munster with over 130 caps at the start of the season - including 45 Heineken Cup games at the start of the 2002/3 season. (+41 caps for Ireland) He captained Munster 85 times.

12 of the Munster squad hail from Cork City or county

Mick Galwey commutes from his home in Kilkenny city

Captain Jim Williams is the holder of Rugby World Cup and Super 12 medals.

Anthony Foley is the most capped player in the Heineken Cup. He is a son of former international Brendan and a sister of Womens international Rosie.

Three players, Mick Galwey, Anthony Foley and Eddie Halvey played in Munster's first Heineken Cup game (v Swansea 1995).

The current Munster squad has fourteen full Ireland internationals.

Ronan O'Gara has the most Heineken Cup points - 417 at the start of the 2002/3 season.

Munster started allowing overseas players into the side at the start of the professional era, Austrailian second row John Langford being the first.

THE STAFF
Current team manager Jerry Holland, is a former coach of the team.

The back-room team includes three international athletes. Physio Kirsty Peacock from Newcastle Co Durham, and fitness advisor Fergal O'Callaghan both rowed at international level for Ireland. Fitness advisor Mark McManus (from Dundee) rep! resented his native Scotland in athletics.
The Munster team are served by two doctors, Len Harty (Cork) and Mick Shinkwin (Limerick).

Dr Len Harty will relinquish his position as Munster team doctor next season when he takes over from Gerry Quaid as President of the Munster Branch IRFU.