Munster rugby base should be in Limerick

A major dilemma exists and needs to be urgently addressed regarding a central and fixed location for all future provincial rugby training.

Just under half of the teams competing in the upcoming AIL (top division) are from Limerick city, alone giving a pool of 90 players competing at the highest level of club rugby in Ireland.

Since its inception in 1990/91 no fewer than 13 titles have gone to Limerick, with Shannon winning nine times.

There are five (competitive) schools from Limerick competing in the Senior and Junior Cups and that is over half the total (competitive) teams involved. One of those schools, Munchins College, had no fewer than five ex-players on the original Irish squad for the recent World Cup.

Any rational business-minded person would see how illogical it is to have professional athletes covering 200 kilometres travelling between two separate training bases. It is also unhealthy and represents poor financial planning.

In conclusion, I believe that by replacing a parochial and political agenda (in dealing with the future of Munster) with that of economically viable and good business practices, Munster Rugby can flourish again with its players training in its natural home base of Limerick.

Gerry Nugent

Meelick

Co Clare