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IRFU Interprovincial Championship

The IRFU Interprovincial Championship was a rugby union competition between the four provinces of Ireland – Ulster, Leinster, Munster and Connacht – run by the Irish Rugby Football Union. It was run as a distinct competition from 1946–47 to 2000–01,[1] with the 2001–02 fixtures being fulfilled by the match-ups in the newly formed Celtic League.[2] For a time in the 1980s, the IRFU ruled that Irish diaspora players should play for Connacht, in an attempt to strengthen the weakest of the four provinces.[3] The Irish Exiles took part for four years (1992–93 – 1995–96).[1]

In 2021, the United Rugby Championship introduced regional shields with the Irish provinces competing for the Irish Shield. Initially the pool included results against other non-Irish sides but from 2023 onwards, the URC announced that the regional pool shields of the competition would be decided only by results between the teams within each pool. With this change, the URC effectively reintroduced the Interprovincial Championship in its original format for the first time since 2002.

Championship wins

Results

1946

1947

1948-49

1949

1950

1951

1952

1953

1954

1955

1956

1957

1958

1959

1960

1961

1962

1963

1964

1965

1966

1967

1968

1969

1970

1971

1972

1973

1974

1975

1976

1977

1978

1979

1980

1981

1982

1983

1984

1985

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

This season, the IRFU Interprovincial Championship was sponsored by Cara Computers, and for the first time included the Irish Exiles.[112]

1993

1994

Munster beat Ulster in an Interpro for the first time since 1980.[131]

1995

The 1995 IRFU Interprovincial Championship was the first to be held since rugby union was declared open to professionalism. At this stage the Irish provinces were still representative teams, not professional clubs.[142] Many involved in the game were concerned that domestic clubs could not afford to pay players, who could be lost to professional teams in England.[143] In September, the IRFU confirmed that, for this season, only senior international players would be paid,[144] with a one-year moratorium on payment for club and provincial players.[145] As the situation developed, match fees became available for Heineken Cup and Interprovincial matches.[146] Leinster won the Interprovincial title for the first time in twelve years.[147]

1996

The 1996 Interprovincial Championship was sponsored by Guinness in a three-year deal worth £115,000, taking over from the previous sponsors, Smithwicks.[162] The Irish Exiles were no longer able to compete as matches clashed with club games in England.[163]

At this stage the Irish provinces were still representative teams, not professional clubs. However, the provinces were now offering contracts and match fees for Heineken Cup and Interprovincial matches, although these contracts sometimes conflicted with players contracted to clubs in England.[164]

1997

The IRFU offered new contracts for provincial players for this season. Full-time players would receive a retainer of £25,000, plus a win bonus of £500 for Heineken Cup matches. Part-time players would be paid a retainer of £7,500, plus a match fee of £400 for Interprovincial matches and £800 for the Heineken Cup, and a win bonus of £450 for both competitions.[174] Each province could have a maximum of 30 contracted players.[175]

1998

This season, the tournament adopted a new format, with each team playing each other home and away. The tournament points system was adopted from Super 12 and the Tri Nations, with four points for a win and two for a draw, a bonus point for scoring four or more tries in a match, and a bonus point for losing by seven points or less.[182] This led to an average of over four tries scored per match.[183]

The tournament was strengthened by a drive by Ireland coach Warren Gatland to bring Irish players who had signed contracts with English clubs back to Ireland to play in the Interprovincial Championship and Heineken Cup.[184] The provinces would have squads of 30 players, most of whom would be full-time professionals.[185]

The title came down to a decider between Leinster and Munster at Donnybrook,[186] with both teams level on points going into the final weekend. Munster took the title with a win, thanks to a man-of-the-match performance by Alan Quinlan.[187]

Tony Ward, writing in the Irish Independent, selected the following as Team of the Championship:[182]

1. Peter Clohessy (Munster), 2. Mark McDermott (Munster), 3. Angus McKeen (Leinster), 4. Mick Galwey (Munster), 5. Eddie Halvey (Munster), 6. Ian Dillon (Connacht), 7. Andy Ward (Ulster), 8. Alan Quinlan (Munster), 9. Conor McGuinness (Connacht), 10. David Humphreys (Ulster), 11. Girvan Dempsey (Leinster), 12. Pat Duignan (Connacht), 13. Jonathan Bell (Ulster), 14. John Lacey (Munster), 15. Brian Roche (Munster).

1999

2000

Top three teams qualify for next season's Heineken Cup.

2001–02

The 2001–02 IRFU Interprovincial Championship was a transitional season before the competition was superseded by the Celtic League. Pool matches between Irish provinces in the 2001–02 Celtic League counted towards the championship. The remaining Interprovincial fixtures were originally scheduled to take place in December 2001, but were postponed because IRFU director of fitness Dr. Liam Hennessy felt that the schedule, between the Celtic League, the Heineken Cup and the Autumn internationals, was too onerous and players needed a period of rest and recovery to prepare for the Six Nations.[226] They took place in April and May 2002.[227]

Celtic league Interprovincial matches

Additional matches

See also

References

  1. ^ a b IRFU Team History Archive, Interprovincial Championship Results, page 1, page 2, page 3
  2. ^ Gerry Thornley, "Interpro series to be cut back", The Irish Times, 18 December 2001
  3. ^ Conor Neville, "The 10 Best Connacht Players Ever To Play For Ireland", Balls.ie, 16 February 2016
  4. ^ "Leinster add to trophy haul", The Irish Times, 8 May 2002
  5. ^ "Ulster rugby victory", News Letter, 31 October 1946
  6. ^ "Munster Did Not Impress", Irish Independent, 11 November 1946
  7. ^ Cam, "Kyle Stars In Ulster Win At Cork", Irish Independent, 25 November 1946
  8. ^ "Connacht Pack Wore Down Leinster Eight", Irish Independent, 25 November 1946
  9. ^ "Ulster's fine rugby victory", News Letter, 2 December 1946
  10. ^ "Munster Pack's Great Work in Vain", Irish Independent, 9 December 1946
  11. ^ "Leinster Centres Shine Against Connacht", Sunday Independent, 2 November 1947
  12. ^ "Ulster Just Manage to Draw With Munster", Ireland's Saturday Night, 1 November 1947
  13. ^ a b Cam, "Uster's Ability To Press Home Attacks Decided", Irish Independent, 7 November 1947
  14. ^ Munster's big win: Connacht fade out", Sunday Independent, 16 November 1947
  15. ^ "de Lacy, Staunton Men Of Match", Sunday Independent, 23 November 1947
  16. ^ "Easy win for Ulster", News Letter, 11 November 1948
  17. ^ Cam, "J. Kyle's Part in Ulster's Victory", Irish Independent, 22 November 1948
  18. ^ "Norton Stars in Leinster Win", Irish Independent, 22 November 1948
  19. ^ "Leinster forwards gave fine display", Sunday Independent, 28 November 1948
  20. ^ "Leinster Forwards' Part In Surprise Win Over Ulster", Irish Independent, 6 December 1948
  21. ^ "Pack's Superiority Paved Way For Clear-Cut Win", Irish Examiner, 10 January 1949
  22. ^ "Connacht's Great Bid Just Foiled", Irish Press, 31 October 1949
  23. ^ "Munster's Fine Effort At Ravenhill", Irish Examiner, 14 November 1949
  24. ^ "Leinster Defeat Plucky Connacht", Irish Independent, 11 November 1949
  25. ^ "Ulster Won But Lost Their Reputation", Irish Press, 25 November 1949
  26. ^ "Leinster Shocked In Game Of Few Thrills", Irish Press, 28 November 1949
  27. ^ "Leinster defeat Ulster", News Letter, 5 December 1949
  28. ^ "Connacht Forwards Outplayed Munster To No Avail", Irish Independent, 30 October 1950
  29. ^ "Connacht's Great Victory Over Champions, Munster", Irish Independent, 10 November 1950
  30. ^ "Solid Defence Holds Out For Narrow Win In Cork", Irish Examiner, 13 November 1950
  31. ^ "Ulster Run Riot In Second Half", Irish Independent, 23 November 1950
  32. ^ "Leinster Rugby Side Just Beat Munster", Irish Press, 27 November 1950
  33. ^ "Leinster Made Ulster Fight Every Inch Of The Way", Irish Independent, 4 December 1950
  34. ^ "Munster Run Riot Near The End", Irish Independent, 26 October 1951
  35. ^ "Leinster Overrun Depleted Connacht", Irish Press, 2 November 1951
  36. ^ A. P. McWeeney, "Ulster Flattered By 16-3 Win", Irish Independent, 5 November 1951
  37. ^ "Connacht Nearly Upset Ulster", Irish Press, 9 November 1951
  38. ^ A. P. McWeeney, "Munster Left Great Effort Too Late", Sunday Independent, 11 November 1951
  39. ^ "Leinster paid penalty of second half lapse", Irish Examiner, 19 November 1951
  40. ^ A. P. McWeeney, "Munster Win Looked Not So Good", Sunday Independent, 27 October 1952
  41. ^ A. P. McWeeney, "Connacht Outclassed At Galway Sportsfield", Irish Independent, 7 November 1952
  42. ^ A. P. McWeeney, "Burkerry and O'Meara Were Stars", Sunday Independent, 9 November 1952
  43. ^ "Ulster's Big Win A Triumph For Henderson", Irish Independent, 19 November 1952
  44. ^ A. P. McWeeney, "Munster Win game Of Lost Reputations", Sunday Independent, 23 November 1952
  45. ^ "Ulster Share Championship With Munster", Irish Examiner, 22 December 1952
  46. ^ "Ulster beat Connacht in uninspiring game", Irish Examiner, 30 October 1953
  47. ^ "Connacht Were Fine In Defeat", Irish Press, 6 November 1953
  48. ^ "Munster Pack's Grand Display At Ravenhill", Irish Examiner, 9 November 1953
  49. ^ "Leinster stock slumps badly", Sunday Independent, 15 November 1953
  50. ^ A. P. McWeeney, "No More Interpros Like This, Please", Irish Independent, 23 November 1953
  51. ^ A. P. McWeeney, "Connacht's shock win over Munster", Irish Independent, 4 December 1953
  52. ^ "Munster Won, But Connacht Fought Hard", Sunday Independent, 31 October 1954
  53. ^ "Unlucky Connacht Put Up Great Battle In Vait", Irish Independent, 12 November 1954
  54. ^ A. P. McWeeney, "Ulster's One Classic Try Beat Munster", Sunday Independent, 14 November 1954
  55. ^ "Connacht Spring Shock Of The Season at Ravenhill", Irish Examiner, 25 November 1954
  56. ^ A. P. McWeeney, "'Garryowen' Try Gave Munster Narrow Win Over Leinster", Sunday Independent, 28 November 1954
  57. ^ A. P. McWeeney, "Leinster Win At Ravenhill", Sunday Independent, 12 December 1954
  58. ^ "Connacht revival not enough", Irish Examiner, 25 October 1982
  59. ^ Sean Diffley, "Munster dominate as Leinster lose record!", Sunday Independent, 24 October 1982
  60. ^ "Campbell shines for Leinster", Sunday Press, 14 November 1982
  61. ^ "Ward's late winner boost for Munster", Sunday Press, 14 November 1982
  62. ^ "Munster shocked by stylisy Ulster", Sunday Press, 28 November 1982
  63. ^ "Slatery tries decisive", Sunday Press, 28 November 1982
  64. ^ Donal Keenan, "Ward Excels for Munster", Sunday Independent, 13 November 1983
  65. ^ Kieran Rooney, "John McGeady solves Leinster's problems", Sunday Independent, 13 November 1983
  66. ^ Sean Diffley, "Weak Connacht are no test for rampant Leinster side", Irish Independent, 27 November 1983
  67. ^ Kieran Rooney, "Brilliant try by Crossan earns Ulster first interpro victory", Irish Independent, 27 November 1983
  68. ^ Tom Rooney, "Connacht Are Back", Connacht Tribune, 28 October 1983
  69. ^ Sean Diffley, "John Murphy shows the way as Munster pack collapses", Sunday Independent, 23 October 1983
  70. ^ Sean Diffley, "Leinster hammering from rampant Ulster!", Irish Examiner, 29 October 1984
  71. ^ "Munster masterly", Sunday Independent, 28 October 1984
  72. ^ "Ulster storm back", Irish Examiner, 26 November 1984
  73. ^ Karl Johnston, "Moroney try is the late ace!", Irish Press, 25 November 1984
  74. ^ Sean Diffley, "Ringland is hero with two tries!", Sunday Independent, 9 December 1984
  75. ^ Kieran Rooney, "Leinster made hard work of beating weak Connacht", Sunday Independent, 9 December 1984
  76. ^ "Powerful Ulster demolish Munster", Sunday Press, 10 November 1985
  77. ^ Tom Rooney, "Bravo Connacht", Connacht Tribune, 15 November 1985
  78. ^ John Redmond, "The outlook is bleak", Sunday Press, 24 November 1985
  79. ^ Karl Johnston, "Connacht unlucky", Sunday Press, 24 November 1985
  80. ^ Karl Johnston, "Ulster's title!", Sunday Press, 8 December 1985
  81. ^ John Redmond, "New-look Munster regain old fire", Sunday Press, 8 December 1985
  82. ^ Karl Johnston, "Ulster go marching on", Sunday Press, 26 October 1986
  83. ^ John Redmond, "Connacht left to cry as Leinster rampage", Sunday Press, 26 October 1986
  84. ^ John Redmond, "Connacht hammered again", Sunday Press, 9 November 1986
  85. ^ Karl Johnston, "A monumental bore", Sunday Press, 9 November 1986
  86. ^ Sean Diffley, "Injury time winner for Ulster", Sunday Independent, 23 November 1986
  87. ^ Kieran Rooney, "Munster are shocked by a late try"", Sunday Independent, 23 November 1986
  88. ^ Sean Diffley, "Munster on way back", Sunday Independent, 25 October 1987
  89. ^ Kieran Rooney, "Great Connacht rally", Sunday Independent, 25 October 1987
  90. ^ "Ulster back in the running", Sunday Independent, 15 November 1987
  91. ^ Sean Diffley, "Munster fire proves too hot for Leinster", Sunday Independent, 15 November 1987
  92. ^ Karl Johnston, "Ulster win in bore", Sunday Press, 29 November 1987
  93. ^ Barry Coughlan, "Munster share the title", Irish Examiner, 30 November 1987
  94. ^ John Redmond, "Ulster inept in victory", Sunday Press, 23 October 1988
  95. ^ Karl Johnston, "Leinster tops", Sunday Press, 23 October 1988
  96. ^ Karl Johnston, "Ulster shocker", Sunday Press, 13 November 1988
  97. ^ John Redmond, "Connacht's costly error", Sunday Press, 13 November 1988
  98. ^ Barry Coughlan, "Munster pay the price!", Irish Examiner, 5 December 1988
  99. ^ "Sweet victory for Connacht", Irish Examiner, 5 December 1988
  100. ^ Kieran Rooney, "Ulster run in eight tries against Connacht", Sunday Independent, 15 October 1989
  101. ^ "Leinster pack was devastated", Sunday Independent, 15 October 1989
  102. ^ Sean Diffley, "Ulster tops in a flop", Sunday Independent, 22 October 1989
  103. ^ "Munster sparkle in excellent second half", Limerick Leader, 23 October 1989
  104. ^ Sean Diffley, "Ulster are champions once more", Evening Herald, 28 October 1989
  105. ^ Harry McGee, "Spirited Connacht fail to avoid the wooden spoon!", Connacht Sentinel, 31 October 1989
  106. ^ Jim Stokes, "Ulster back on winning trail", Ireland's Saturday Night, 1 December 1990
  107. ^ Sean Diffley, "Magnificant Ulster rally", Sunday Independent, 9 December 1990
  108. ^ Sean Diffley, "Ulster tops in cracker", Sunday Independent, 16 December 1990
  109. ^ Jim Stokes, "Ulster hold on by a whisker", Ireland's Saturday Night, 7 December 1991
  110. ^ Jim Stokes, "Ulster go on festive frolic", Ireland's Saturday Night, 14 December 1991
  111. ^ David Walsh, "Heroic Connacht warm the heart", Sunday Independent, 22 December 1991
  112. ^ "Cara sponsor interpros", Irish Examiner, 27 August 1992
  113. ^ Barry Coughlan, "Exiles shock Munster", Irish Examiner, 14 September 1992
  114. ^ Karl Johnston, "Leinster, but only just!", Irish Press, 23 September 1992
  115. ^ David Walsh, "Munster self destruct", Sunday Independent, 29 November 1992
  116. ^ "Connacht in full control", Irish Examiner, 30 November 1992
  117. ^ Barry Coughlan, "Munster Madness!", Irish Examiner, 7 December 1992
  118. ^ Frank Frarragher, "Nightmare start leaves Connacht on a hiding to nothing at Ravenhill", Connacht Sentinel, 8 December 1992
  119. ^ Sean Diffley, "Ulster have a field day as Connacht fail", Evening Herald, 5 December 1992
  120. ^ David Walsh, "Exiles' rough justice", 13 December 1992
  121. ^ "Ulster spirit triumphs", Sunday Independent, 20 December 1992
  122. ^ Neil McKay, "Ulster's Best is yet to come", Sunday Life, 17 October 1993
  123. ^ Alex George, "Ulster shouldn't get carried away", News Letter, 18 October 1993
  124. ^ "Exiles never in with a shout", Irish Examiner, 18 October 1993
  125. ^ Michael Glynn, "Mannion's heroics fail to save sub-par Connacht", Connacht Tribune, 29 October 1993
  126. ^ Mick Doyle, "Ulster always in control", Sunday Independent, 24 October 1993
  127. ^ Micheal McGeary, "Leinster end ten year unbeaten run", Sunday Life, 28 November 1993
  128. ^ Mark Jones, "Leinster end Ulster's run", Sunday Tribune, 28 November 1993
  129. ^ Mark Jones, "Title shared three ways", Sunday Tribune, 19 December 1993
  130. ^ Denis Walsh, "Leinster take an uneasy victory", Sunday Tribune, 19 December 1993
  131. ^ Mark Jonas, "Overdue win for Munster", Sunday Tribune, 13 November 1994
  132. ^ "Ulster late rally falls short", Sunday Life, 13 November 1994
  133. ^ "Malone lifts the Exiles", Sunday Life, 13 November 1994
  134. ^ "Ulster's blushes barely spared", The Sunday Tribune, 10 November 1994
  135. ^ Kieran Rooney, "Fantastic Frano", Irish Independent, 21 November 1994
  136. ^ Peter O'Reilly, "Mannion grabs dramatic late victory", Sunday Tribune, 27 November 1994
  137. ^ Mark Jones, "Munster too strong for Exiles", Sunday Tribune, 27 November 1994
  138. ^ Tom Buckey "Exiles crushd by Ulster's all-round superiority", Sunday Independent, 11 December 1994
  139. ^ David Walsh "Masterly Munster lash limp Leinster", Sunday Independent, 11 December 1994
  140. ^ Michael Logan, "Leinster best of bad pair", The Sunday Tribune, 18 December 1994
  141. ^ Tom Keogh, "Champs Munster rewrite records", Sunday World, 18 December 1994
  142. ^ Peter O'Reilly, "Ulster coach warns on power balance", The Sunday Tribune, 22 September 1996
  143. ^ Jim Stokes, "IRFU tackle 'pro' issue", Belfast Telegraph, 28 August 1995
  144. ^ Jim Stokes, "International players only to 'cash in'", Belfast Telegraph, 12 September 1995
  145. ^ Jimmy Davidson, "Market forces takes strangle hold on rugby", Belfast Telegraph, 4 November 1995
  146. ^ Tyrone Howe, "Local game needs a professional outlook", Belfast Telegraph, 13 January 1996
  147. ^ Jim Stokes, "Whiteout!", Belfast Telegraph, 23 December 1995
  148. ^ David Walsh, "Munster Capitulation", Sunday Independent, 26 November 1995
  149. ^ "Ulster 14–10 Munster". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  150. ^ Peter Bills, "Exiles hold on to snatch victory from persistent Connacht side", Sunday Independent, 26 November 1995
  151. ^ Phil Minishull, "Exiles win, but are on a loser", Sunday Life, 26 November 1995
  152. ^ John O'Sullivan, "Ulster bounce back from Cardiff Mauling", Sunday Independent, 3 December 1995
  153. ^ Phil Minishull, "Leinster lord it", Sunday Life, 3 December 1995
  154. ^ John O'Sullivan, "Toland a class act", Sunday Independent, 10 October 1995
  155. ^ Kieran Rooney, "Uneven Leinster on a roll after eighth win", Sunday Independent, 10 October 1995
  156. ^ John O'Sullivan, "Gallagher gets no chance to prove himself", Sunday Independent, 17 December 1995
  157. ^ "Munster 15-19 Leinster". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  158. ^ David Walsh, "Delight for Leinster", Sunday Independent, 17 December 1995
  159. ^ David Walsh, "Christmas cheer for the boys in blue", Sunday Independent, 24 December 1995
  160. ^ "Connacht 11-46 Munster". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  161. ^ David Walsh, "Dethroned Munster run Connacht ragged", Sunday Independent, 24 December 1995
  162. ^ "Guinness good for inter-pros", Evening Herald. 19 September 1996
  163. ^ "AIL gets a radical overhaul", Irish Independent, 1 March 1996
  164. ^ "Reid's cautionary note on contracts", Belfast Telegraph, 23 March 1996
  165. ^ "Munster 45-28 Connacht". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  166. ^ Kieran Rooney, "O'Halloran in superb form for Munster", Sunday Independent, 22 September 1996
  167. ^ Jim Stokes, "Ulster seek sweet revenge", Belfast Telegraph, 20 September 1996
  168. ^ Peter O'Reilly, "Leinster pack steamrolls ahead", The Sunday Tribune, 22 September 1996
  169. ^ Sean Diffley, "Connacht falter with the winning post in sight", Sunday Independent, 29 September 1996
  170. ^ "Leinster 40-45 Leinster". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  171. ^ "Marvellous Munster best in a classic", Limerick Leader, 30 September 1996
  172. ^ Michael McGeary, "Ulster fall short", Sunday Life, 6 October 1996
  173. ^ "Eric makes it 'ell for Leinster", Sunday Life, 6 October 1996
  174. ^ "Seventy six players win IRFU contracts", Irish Independent, 17 July 1997
  175. ^ Barry Coughlan, "IRFU brings home the message with provincial contracts", Irish Examiner, 1 May 1998
  176. ^ Michael McGeary, "Adding Insult to Injury", Sunday Life, 17 August 1997
  177. ^ "Connacht 9-29 Munster". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  178. ^ Michael McGeary, "Ulster Shamed in Wild West", Sunday Life, 24 August 1997
  179. ^ "Munster 15-12 Leinster". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  180. ^ Micheal McGeary, "Ulster enjoy a field day at last", Sunday Life, 31 August 1997
  181. ^ John O'Sullivan, "Leinster snatch it", Sunday Independent, 31 August 1997
  182. ^ a b Grant Robbins, "Restructured Interpros puts emphasis on attack", Evening Herald, 14 August 1998
  183. ^ Andy Ward, "Top notch Inter-pro series puts IRFU back on track", Irish Independent, 27 October 1998
  184. ^ Jonathan Bradley, The Last Amateurs: The Incredible Story of Ulster Rugby's 1999 European Champions, The Blackstaff Press, 2018, p. 16
  185. ^ Brendan Fanning, "Celtic Cup is Irish sides' best chance of success", Sunday Independent, 1 March 1998
  186. ^ Kieran Rooney, "Dramatic finale", Irish Independent, 23 October 1998
  187. ^ Kieran Rooney, "Southern pride rules roost at Donnybrook", Irish Independent, 24 October 1998
  188. ^ Micheal McGeary, "Ulster off to a flier", Sunday Life, 16 August 1998
  189. ^ "Connacht 13-18 Munster". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  190. ^ "Munster 18-24 Leinster". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  191. ^ "Duignan does it for the West", Sunday World, 23 August 1998
  192. ^ Micheal McGeary, "Chastened Shadows", Sunday Life, 23 August 1998
  193. ^ Kieran Rooney, "Elwood injury blow as Leinster go top", Sunday Independent, 29 August 1998
  194. ^ Kieran Rooney, "Ward leads Ulster to top", Irish Independent, 5 September 1998
  195. ^ Jim Stokes, "Ulster take a pasting", Belfast Telegraph, 12 September 1998
  196. ^ "Munster 21-7 Connacht". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  197. ^ Barry Roche, "Munster pack most powerful of punches", Sunday Tribune, 4 October 1998
  198. ^ "Allnutt is alright for Connacht", Sunday Life, 4 October 1998
  199. ^ Jim Stokes, "Bell and Ward in top gear", Belfast Telegraph, 24 October 1998
  200. ^ "Leinster 10-25 Munster". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  201. ^ "Ulster go wild out west", Sunday Life, 8 August 1999
  202. ^ "Munster 31-20 Leinster". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  203. ^ Jim Stokes, "Dion to Ulster's rescue", Belfast Telegraph, 14 August 1999
  204. ^ "Connacht 17-67 Munster". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  205. ^ "Cup woe strikes Dempsey", Irish Independent, 4 September 1999
  206. ^ Jim Stokes, "Munster prove to be worthy champs", Belfast Telegraph, 6 September 1999
  207. ^ Jim Stokes, "Ulster punished on Black Friday", Belfast Telegraph, 30 October 1999
  208. ^ "Leinster chalk up record in Galway", Sunday Life, 31 October 1999
  209. ^ Jim Stokes, "Bromley powers Ulster to victory", Belfast Telegraph, 6 November 1999
  210. ^ "Ulster earn Euro Place", Irish Independent, 6 November 1999
  211. ^ "Leinster 13-30 Munster". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  212. ^ "Leinster snatch win to salvage some pride", Irish Examiner, 13 November 1999
  213. ^ "Munster 53-10 Connacht". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  214. ^ Jim Stokes, "O'Gara steals the show", Belfast Telegraph, 2 September 2000
  215. ^ Kieron Rooney, "Leinster leave a lot to be desired", Irish Independent, 2 September 2000
  216. ^ "Munster 26-20 Leinster". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  217. ^ Kieran Rooney, "Ulster leave Connacht stranded", Sunday Independent, 10 September 2000
  218. ^ "Ace predator Hickie strikes for Leinster", Irish Independent, 16 September 2000
  219. ^ "Munster 36-13 Connacht". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  220. ^ Tony Ward, "Humphreys leads Ulster to victory", Irish Independent, 23 September 2000
  221. ^ "Connacht 13-23 Munster". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  222. ^ Barry Coughlan, "Munster dig deep for great victory", Irish Examiner, 30 September 2000
  223. ^ "Conn job", Sunday Life, 1 October 2000
  224. ^ Jim Stokes, "Classy Ulster sink brave Connacht", Irish Independent, 4 November 2000
  225. ^ "Leinster 16-16 Munster". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  226. ^ Tony Ward, "Fitness guru kicks Interpro games to touch", Irish Independent, 18 December 2001
  227. ^ Aidan Corr, "Munster face into a hectic season", Limerick Chronicle, 24 July 2001
  228. ^ "D'Arcy double destroys Ulster", BBC Sport, 31 August 2001
  229. ^ "Munster 6-6 Leinster". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  230. ^ Kieran Rooney, "Munster hit by new triple injury scare", Irish Independent, 20 April 2002
  231. ^ John Fallon, "Connacht left to rue absent Elwood and lack of penetration", Connacht Sentinel, 23 April 2002
  232. ^ Linley MacKenzie, "Leinster run in six tries to take interpro title from Munster", Irish Examiner, 9 May 2002
  233. ^ "Munster creak under the Guinness interpro strain", Limerick Leader, 13 May 2002