Munster Rugby are one of European Club Rugby’s most iconic brands.
Developing a reputation as an almost mythical organisation that continually punches above their weight, particularly when their backs are to the wall.
Starting their romance with the then Heineken Cup (now Investec Champions Cup) in earnest towards the end of the 1990s, Munster would become perennial title contenders.
Finishing as Runners-up in the 1999/00 and 2001/2002 seasons, it would take another three seasons before Munster claimed their first title in the 2005/06 season.
Defeating Biarritz in that season, the glass ceiling which once restricted them was firmly shattered as the men in red would claim a second title two seasons later in the 2007/08 competition by defeating Toulouse.
During this run, Munster’s squad would form the backbone of the Irish national side with the likes of Paul O’Connell, Donnacha O’Callaghan, Alan Quinlan, David Wallace, Ronan O’Gara, Peter Stringer and many more Munstermen helping Ireland claim the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2009 following nearly sixty years of waiting.
Underscoring Munster’s excellence during this period was a dogged instinct never to back down, which was cultivated during several brutal training sessions.
Becoming part of Irish Rugby folklore, bust-ups, scraps, and relentless competition kept the Munster razor sharp.
Discussing these times five years ago, several Munster legends, including Quinlan, O’Connell, Denis Leamy and Marcus Horan, joined Off-The-Ball’s roadshow.
Reminiscing about their heyday, some truly hilarious stories came up, ranging from the famous Mr X incident to what went on behind closed doors in team meetings.
One story in particular, which had all in attendance in hysterics, was recalled by O’Connell who very nearly came to blows with Quinlan during a tense team meeting.
Going into detail, O’Connell explains how a Granny Smith apple almost brought down the meeting as Quinlan munched his way through it.
Clearly enjoying the moment, Quinlan made it clear that he would not back down to create what was truly a hilarious situation.
Watch below!
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