McLaughlin's day of Murphy's Law with LeinsterFor Ian McLaughlin the prospect of a day off work playing his favourite sport seemed appetising; it proved anything but as it transpired.The former Ireland under-21 international and Blackrock College prop, who plays with Naas, was working in a Dublin law office when he received a phone call from Leinster manager Ken Ging last Friday week. Ging inquired whether McLaughlin could sit on the bench that night for the province in a friendly against Connacht at Ericsson Park.
Emmet Byrne had cried off with gastro-enteritis and young props Niall Treston and John Lyne were both injured. McLaughlin, though, thought Ging's call a hoax, thinking it was his house-mate, Leinster second row Leo Cullen, playing a prank.
It required Ging to ring back a second time and pass the phone to Matt Williams before McLaughlin realised it was a genuine entreaty. He grabbed a taxi in his law clobber, cuff links and all, to Anglesea Road to meet up with his new team-mates; no boots or contact lenses, all of which would be taken care of by the Leinster party.
On the coach he had to learn all of the team's lineout calls en route to Athlone. After 71 minutes of the match he got his opportunity and ran on to take his place at a lineout. He had just assumed his position when the floodlights failed and the referee had no choice to abandon the match.
Compounding the disappointment was the fact not only had the floodlights gone but so too had all the hot water within two minutes of the showers being turned on. McLaughlin was forced to take a cold one.
Completing an excellent weekend was the fact his club match for Naas against Waterpark was called off the following day because of a frozen pitch.
The Leinster team management sent him an official team tie by way of a thank you for his day of frustration.
Toulouse, Munster 50 not out - yet
Toulouse and Munster became the first teams in the history of the European Cup to reach 50 matches at the weekend. It was on October 31st, 1995, that Emile N'tmack's Toulouse side kicked-off the tournament on the Black Sea when they played the Romanian champions Farul Constanta. N'tmack grabbed two tries in his side's 54-10 victory. Toulouse would go on to win the inaugural title.
Anthony Foley is the only survivor from that first game against Swansea at Thomond Park on November 1st, 1995, that started last Saturday's match against Perpignan in Stade Aime Giral. Munster won the game 17-13 that day in 1995 and we thought we'd include the team that did the Irish province proud.
For the record Munster grabbed a couple of tries through Richard Wallace and Pat Murray with Kenny Smith providing the rest of the points.
MUNSTER: P Murray (Shannon, capt); R Wallace (Garryowen), S McCahill (Sundays Well), D Larkin (Garryowen), K Smith (Garryowen); P Burke (Cork Constitution), D O'Mahony (Cork Consitution); J Fitzgerald (Young Munster), T Kingston (Dolphin), P Clohessy (Young Munster); M Galwey (Shannon), G Fulcher (Cork Constitution); E Halvey (Shannon), A Foley (Shannon), D Corkery (Terenure). Replacement: M Fitzgerald (Young Munster) for J Fitzgerald 18-27; B Toland (Old Crescent) for Halvey 32.
Referee: Ed Morrison (England).
Sponsors toast brand success
Although rugby is the second most popular sport on television in Britain, the majority of sponsors active on the scene are struggling to generate high levels of awareness.
According to the latest European Brands of Sport study, only a few sponsors have been able to successfully capitalise on the large potential of the sport. Results have shown that only Heineken (they sponsor the European Cup) and Tetley's (one of the sponsors for the England national rugby team) achieved satisfactory success from the money they invested.
Sponsors like Zurich, Orange and Parker Pen, amongst others, have failed to generate a significant level of awareness among the sport interested public. The study investigated the fascination levels in selected sporting events.
The Six Nations had the highest scores and in fact scored higher that than the World Cup.
No coincidence then that the two most popular brands happen to be drinks companies. Nothing like the old rugby stereotype really.
Leinster appeal in good cause
Calling all children who want an opportunity to meet and play with their Leinster heroes. The Leinster squad will have an opening training session on Sunday, January 25th, at the Old Belvedere Grounds at Anglesea Road between
2-4 p.m.
Depending on the numbers the players will be available to play in little five-a-side matches and also afterwards for any autographs. Specially printed autograph sheets will be available for the children free of charge so that they can get what signatures they want.
The day also coincides with the SOS Romanian appeal. Leinster are asking for anyone with spare, clean rugby gear they no longer want to bring it to Old Belvedere that day and it will be forwarded to Romania where the average monthly wage is €50, making the purchase of rugby gear very difficult for those who want to play the game. They are particularly looking for gear suitable for children.
You can view the appeal at www.sosromania.org.
Whistling a different tune NOW seen as we are not averse to doling out a little criticism about the standard of officiating at times, we felt it only fair to laud the performance of Joel Jutge (left) in his handling of the European Cup Pool Four clash between Leinster and Swansea at Donnybrook on Friday night. The Frenchman controlled with even-handedness, favouring the advantage law where applicable and making his decisions abundantly clear to the players. This came on a weekend when others with a whistle once again highlighted the varying interpretations of the laws. It's no wonder that players and spectators are befuddled and frustrated as a result.
