Madam, – I know many people in this country are relatively new supporters of rugby, but even the briefest research into the history of the sport on this island would reveal that the Irish rugby team has represented all of the island of Ireland since 1874.
While playing the national anthem of Ireland may inspire some of the Leinster and Munster men to greater exertions, this could be countered by the detrimental effect it would have on those players from Ulster, some of whom we simply can’t do without.
We should cherish the unity of rugby on this island rather than look for ways to highlight the sectarian divide lest we end up like the two football associations of Ireland whose supporters will never countenance unity. That said, Ireland's Callisn't the greatest of sports anthems.
Like the devil, the French and the Welsh have the best tunes. – Yours, etc,