Colm Tucker RIP 1952 – 2012

Munster Rugby mourns the loss of former Munster, Irish and British and Irish Lions player Colm Tucker who passed away last night.

One of the best back-rows of his era, he represented Munster on 36 occasions between 1974 – 1987, and was a member of the team that defeated the All-Blacks in Thomond Park in 1978.

A series of injuries kept him on the sideline during the mid eighties however when he regained fitness, Colm came back better than ever and gave some memorable displays for both the province and his beloved Shannon RFC of whom he gave a life time of service.

He joined Shannon in the 70’s and even as a young player had the power and physique to muscle his way onto the senior side. His prowess in the back row was the catalyst for many Shannon RFC’s Munster Cup victories, none more so than the 1977 Cup final. He was on five Munster Senior Cup winning teams 1977,1978, 1982, 1987 and 1988.

His status as an all time Munster legend was cemented on that famous 1978 day when Munster were victorious over the All Blacks in Thomond Park amidst scenes of disbelief and jubilation.

Colm made his international debut against France and was capped for Ireland on three occasions between 1979 – 1980.

Despite having only played three times for his country, he was selected for the 1980 Lions tour to South Africa. He played in the third and fourth tests, which finished in a 12 – 10 defeat, and a 17 – 13 win, and he contributed a try in the victory at Loftus Versfeld.

Munster Rugby would like to express our sincerest sympathies to the friends and family of Colm Tucker.

Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam.