Kierann Marmion: Interprovincial intensity stems from rivalry for Irish places

Connacht scrum-half Kieran Marmion says interprovincial ties tend to become more heated than other PRO12 league games because players are facing rivals for an international shirt.

Marmion is eyeing up tomorrow’s interpro clash with Leinster as the perfect opportunity to lay down a marker ahead of the Six Nations.

“I really look forward to these games. It’s great to match up against the other Irish scrum-halves so I am looking forward to that, and hopefully I can take my chance.