Young Players Add To Atmosphere At Thomond

Over 1,500 Mini rugby players from clubs and schools around Munster attended the weekend’s 49-5 win over Zebre at Thomond Park.

16 clubs took up the offer of free tickets for their mini section and came out in force to cheer on Munster to the bonus-point victory.

Some of the lucky youngsters even had the opportunity to play on the hallowed turf with Dungarvan RFC, Iveragh Eagles RFC, Kilrush RFC and Waterford City RFC competing in the half-time Mini rugby game.

Six sides also participated in a blitz on the Thomond Park back pitch before kick-off with two teams from Mallow RFC and one each from UL Bohemians RFC, Thomond RFC, Ballina/Killaloe RFC and Kilrush RFC in action.

After the blitz, players from a number of the clubs were flag bearers for the PRO12 game, lining the pitch along the West Terrace side of the ground and adding to the pre-match build-up.

The ticket giveaway was part of an initiative to celebrate the opening of the MRSC Junior Club, in association with Inver, today (Tuesday) with membership now free of charge. Click here for full details.

Clubs and schools that participated in the ticket giveaway:
Shannon RFC
Ballina Killaloe RFC
St Mary’s RFC
Galbally RFC
St Munchin’s College
Muskerry RFC
Mallow RFC
Youghal RFC
Castletroy College
Young Munster RFC
Nenagh Ormond RFC
Kanturk RFC
Old Crescent RFC
Waterford City RFC
Mallow RFC
St Senan’s RFC
Thomond RFC
Kilrush RFC

The Thomond RFC team before the pre-match blitz in Thomond Park.

The Ballina Killaloe team before the pre-match blitz in Thomond Park.