Ulster boss defends diluted PRO14 panels

It’s a testament to the hold provincial rugby now has on a section of the Irish sporting public that over 18,000 fans were willing to turn up at the RDS to watch two sides that had been stripped of well over 20 fit Ireland internationals.

However the fact that so many jerseys for this interpro were filled by youngsters in what could have been a highlight of the Guinness PRO14 calendar gives rise yet again to the accusation that this is a competition with a major credibility issue.