Japanese students join Munster’s red army

ALTHOUGH they miss their favourite Sumo wrestling heroes, a group of Japanese students at the University of Limerick have found a fascinating substitute — the spectacle of Paul O’Connell and the Munster pack in full flight, charging at the opposition.

The big Heineken European Cup final has attracted the Munster loyalties of the 13 visiting Japanese.

The students even wear their red Munster jerseys as they attend lectures.

The Japanese Munster fan club includes Yu Sugino, Tomoko Nishizaki, Kana Hasimoto, Daisuke Murayama, Yoshuiki Chiba and Takanki Usami.

One said: “Munster are very strong, like our wrestlers.”

They are currently studying at UL as part of the Students Abroad programme operated by the Limerick college and two universities in Japan.

Nine of the Japanese students are on a year’s exchange and four others are full time students at UL.

Meanwhile a huge street party has been organised in Limerick city centre to coincide with the big game on May 20.

The biggest TV screen in Europe will be erected and located on a site between Roches Street and William Street.

Fran O’Donnell who is one of the organisers of the event said it would enable people who can’t get to Cardiff savour the big match atmosphere.

He said: “We are holding this big street broadcast as a thank you to supporters who have been so loyal to the Munster team. Unfortunately not everybody can get to the game. This event will enable families to come onto the street to get the best next thing to the atmosphere.”

Limerick’s Live 95 FM in sponsoring the big screen broadcast.