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Stander decision rocks Bulls, SA
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<blockquote data-quote="Feicarsinn" data-source="post: 515286" data-attributes="member: 22777"><p>Yep, BG8 essentially got the historical aspect of the provinces right. They grew out of the old Irish kingdoms (incidentally, there was a kingdom called Thomond for anyone who wonders where that name comes from).</p><p></p><p>From a rugby perspective, the provinces have their roots in amateur rugby. Back in the old days, Irish rugby players played their rugby for clubs. Since 1990 these clubs competed in the All Ireland League, which as you can guess featured clubs from all across the country. About once a year the best players from each province would be selected for the "Interpro's" with the 4 provinces playing each other. They would also occasionally play against touring sides. Obviously, you could only play for a province if your club was based there. For example, as you played for Shannon in Limerick, Then you could only play for Munster.</p><p></p><p>These provincial matches were fairly poorly supported before pro rugby with attendances usually in the hundreds. Emphasis was still firmly on the club game. With the coming of the professionalism however, it became apparent that Irish rugby would be incapable of supporting the clubs if they were to go pro. Thusly, the provinces were put forward as the pro teams. They had a decent bit of history and identity, which set them apart from the like of the Welsh regions and helped them gain support (as did the success they enjoyed).</p><p></p><p>It's still a rule that to play for a province you must be registered with a club in that province. Although the players will rarely (if ever) play for these clubs, you can still see on all of the team sheets the IRFU puts out the clubs are listed.</p><p></p><p>Hope that helps.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Feicarsinn, post: 515286, member: 22777"] Yep, BG8 essentially got the historical aspect of the provinces right. They grew out of the old Irish kingdoms (incidentally, there was a kingdom called Thomond for anyone who wonders where that name comes from). From a rugby perspective, the provinces have their roots in amateur rugby. Back in the old days, Irish rugby players played their rugby for clubs. Since 1990 these clubs competed in the All Ireland League, which as you can guess featured clubs from all across the country. About once a year the best players from each province would be selected for the "Interpro's" with the 4 provinces playing each other. They would also occasionally play against touring sides. Obviously, you could only play for a province if your club was based there. For example, as you played for Shannon in Limerick, Then you could only play for Munster. These provincial matches were fairly poorly supported before pro rugby with attendances usually in the hundreds. Emphasis was still firmly on the club game. With the coming of the professionalism however, it became apparent that Irish rugby would be incapable of supporting the clubs if they were to go pro. Thusly, the provinces were put forward as the pro teams. They had a decent bit of history and identity, which set them apart from the like of the Welsh regions and helped them gain support (as did the success they enjoyed). It's still a rule that to play for a province you must be registered with a club in that province. Although the players will rarely (if ever) play for these clubs, you can still see on all of the team sheets the IRFU puts out the clubs are listed. Hope that helps. [/QUOTE]
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Stander decision rocks Bulls, SA
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