THIS EVENING’S PRO12 clash between Leinster and Munster at Lansdowne Road will be the 28th time the inter-pro rivals have clashed in the professional era.
More than 300 players have taken part in the matches since 1995 and, while we know all about O’Driscoll, O’Connell, D’Arcy and O’Gara, many faces and surnames have faded with time. Here are some warriors from battles past.
Chris Pim (Leinster flanker)
Pim, celebrating with the interpro cup in 1995, captained Leinster in their first ever European Cup game. He now resides in Kilkenny.
Sean McCahill (Munster centre)
Brother of All Blacks great Bernie McCahill, Sean (seen here tackling Connacht’s Pat Duignan) played one game for Ireland in 1995.
Ian Murray (Munster prop)
Murray goes at it with Ger Earls, father of Keith, in a 2000 AIL match between Young Munster and Cork Con.
Barry Everitt (Leinster out-half)
Starting off with Lansdowne RFC, Everitt was promoted to the Leinster senior squad and moved on to London Irish. He represented Ireland at ‘A’ level.
Tom Tierney (Munster scrum-half)
Tierney moved on to Leicester Tigers and played against Munster in the Heineken Cup. He moved back to Ireland after signing for Connacht and played on until 2008. This season, he coached the Ardscoil Ris side that reached the Munster Schools Senior Cup.
Jason Jones Hughes (Munster centre)
The three-times capped Wales international, pictured here helping Alan Quinlan to tackle Keith Gleeson, finished his playing career with Munster in 2003/04. Born in Australia and part of the Wales 1999 World Cup squad, injury curtailed his career at 28.
Niall Breslin (Leinster flanker)
After injury shortened his promising career, ‘Bressie’ made a name for himself in the music business and is now one of the judges on The Voice.
Ben Gissing (Leinster lock)
The Kiwi played in Italy before spending four years at Leinster and finishing his career with Edinburgh. He then became player-coach with Skerries.
Mossie Lawlor (Munster winger)
The versatile back scored a try in Munster’s bonus point win over Leinster in February 2004. Had a short stint with Wasps before returning to Ireland to play club rugby with UL Bohemians.
Fosi Pala’amo (Leinster prop)
The Samoan played just five times for Leinster in 2006/07, with his most noteworthy contribution a yellow card against Ulster.
Justin Melck (Munster flanker)
The South African back-row arrived on a short-term deal in 2008 but certainly made an impression, including a try-scoring appearance against Leinster. He moved on to Saracens and was last seen in Ireland taking on Leinster in a 2011 Heineken Cup clash.
Harry Vermaas (Leinster hooker)
Just the one season for the South African hooker — 2006/07 — as he played back-up to Bernard Jackman. Started four games and was a sub in 10 others. Now playing in France with AS Béziers after a three-season stint back in South Africa with Boland.
Simon Kerr (Munster prop)
The Australian was 32 when he arrived from Queensland Reds in 2002 after Alan Gaffney alerted the province to his availability. Stuck around for two seasons.
Matt Leek (Leinster outhalf)
The Londoner, pictured here with Munster’s Jeremy Staunton, played 21 games for Leinster over two seasons and contributed 69 points, including three tries. Now involved with corporate hospitality ahead of the 2015 World Cup.
Anton Pitout (Munster winger)
The South African [tackling a very hairy Rory Best in 2005] arrived in 2005 but failed to make a lasting impression.
And, as a bonus, here is Eddie Hekenui in action for Leinster in 2001:
What former player would you like to learn more about?
