Next generation showing cut and thrust of Munster

Munster’s next generation may be targeting Heineken Cup medals long term, but got an early taste of success in Cork last night as the province’s A team lifted the British & Irish Cup for the first time.

Led by Billy Holland, the victory gave the province’s fringe players and first-team hopefuls a warm winning experience they will want to repeat on European rugby’s greater stages before too long.

Cross Keys finished the game with 13 men after late yellow cards for lock Dan Hodge and wing Nathan Trowbridge but the Welsh outfit had already been well beaten.