Ulster Rugby vs Cheetahs

Life is bigger than the game and this week it is my sad duty to pay tribute to a man who made the game his life and rugby is all the better for it. Last Friday night, former Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald passed and was laid to rest in his native Cork earlier this week. His loss to the rugby community in Munster is immeasurable, but the legacy of his work stands tall. Garrett spent two decades in the position of CEO for Munster Rugby and holds the distinction of having previously coached the province, most notably in their win over World Champions Australia in 1992. The major achievements of his time as CEO are the redevelopment of the iconic Thomond Park stadium, which was reborn in 2008, and the world-class High Performance centre in the University of Limerick where Munster are now based.

Everyone within the game is acutely aware of the impact Garrett had with everyone in the Munster organisation – he was a man who had as much time for match-day volunteers and mini rugby co- ordinators as he had for Paul O’Connell or Ronan O’Gara. Garrett was a devoted Munster man but obviously his work within the IRFU helped to make an impact on the wider game and he was a keen supporter of our tournament from the very beginning. He is survived by his wife Áine, daughter Megan, sons Jamie and Michael, his brother Roger and his sisters Nicki, Mary and Rose. We wish our friends in Munster great strength as they absorb this loss. This weekend Munster will play in Italy against Zebre and Garrett would have admired the background in which the game will take place. Zebre have moved the game to be the headline act of Milano Rugby week which will host the Italian Under 20 and Women’s Six Nations games with Scotland – it is an initiative aimed at spreading the gospel of the game in Italy. Elsewhere, Ruan Pienaar will make an emotional return to Kingspan Stadium as his Toyota Cheetahs team face into a crucial Conference A clash with Ulster. Edinburgh and Connacht meet in a game vital for both teams’ Play-Off hopes while Cardiff Blues and Benetton is must-win for both sides in Conference B. Leinster can also set a new record should they record a win over Ospreys with the most to start a season. They have equalled the previous total of 11 set by Ulster and should they achieve the feat this weekend they will also equal the longest winning streak of 14 wins set by Munster. The Guinness Six Nations returns this weekend, but I’m pleased to say that we still managed to field 104 internationally capped players in Round 11 and with an appealing fixture this weekend we’ll prove that there is plenty of quality on offer. I’d also like to congratulate the seven Guinness PRO14 players who recently won their first Test caps in the Six Nations: Nick Haining (Edinburgh), Johnny McNicholl (Scarlets), Caelan Doris, Ronán Kelleher, Max Deegan (Leinster), Niccolo Cannone (Benetton) & Danilo Fischetti (Zebre). More proof of how the Next Generation of international talent is always emerging in our Championship. Don’t forget, while the cold might be biting now you can guarantee your place to one of summer rugby’s biggest events at the Guinness PRO14 Final in Cardiff on June 20. Last year saw yet another record attendance in Glasgow, but with limited availability in 2020 be sure to visit www.pro14rugby.org/ final and get booking. Enjoy the game, Martin Anayi Chief Executive Officer

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