Munster accused of undermining clubs

A TOP coach has accused Munster of seriously undermining the future of domestic rugby in the province and damaging the standing of several clubs by unreasonably stripping them of younger contracted players.

Garryowen’s Paul Cunningham reacted angrily yesterday to Munster’s demands on Academy and Development players not to participate in today’s vital Ulster Bank League Division 1A clash with St Mary’s College at Dooradoyle because the provincial A side play Bristol in a British and Irish Cup tie next Tuesday.

Cunningham insists it’s not only a Garryowen problem, but also a significant issue for the likes of Cork Constitution, Shannon and UL Bohemian, all of whom have games today and who will be affected by the dictat.