Rugby: Ring-rusty Shannon struggle

Shannon 20 Co Carlow 11

He was on a world-renowned stage alright, but in a different show entirely. On Saturday, Thomond Park had rocked to the rhythm of another epic Munster European triumph yesterday it was AIL Division One, Contepomi lining out with Carlow against Shannon, and on and off the pitch, the contrast was stark.

"It was a win but I don't know about it being a good day," was the straight-forward assessment of Shannon captain Tom Hayes.