Saints semi-final not just another game, says Leinster out-half Ross Byrne
Ross Byrne admits Leinster can't treat Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup semi-final against Northampton as just another game.
Rugby Sport News
Northampton need 'appreciation and respect' for Croke Park ahead of Leinster semi-final
Northampton have been learning about the history of Croke Park in anticipation of becoming the first English club side to play at the home of Gaelic Games when they clash with Leinster on Saturday. Saints visit the famous stadium for an Investec Champions Cup semi-final that matches the best teams in Ireland and England. Director of rugby Phil Dowson believes crucial to success is an understanding of the history of Croke Park, which is steeped in national symbolism as the site of the 1920 Bloody Sunday massacre that took place during the Irish War of Independence. Northampton's Irish strength and conditioning coach Eamonn Hyland gave a presentation on its background to the squad on Monday and while Dowson stresses "we are not playing against ghosts", he knows the venue carried special meaning. "It's absolutely fundamental that we have an appreciation of the significance of Croke Park, both culturally and historically, to the Irish battle for independence and to their psyche," Dowson said. "It's mainly important because we should have an understanding of the history, regardless of whether we are playing rugby there or not. "But we should also understand the influence it will have on their playing group, the crowd and the implications for that around the atmosphere. "At the same time we are not playing against ghosts. We need an appreciation and respect for the history, but then we have to get our game on the field.
Ireland's Aoife Wafer nominated for Six Nations award
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South African sortie sets Munster up for URC knockouts
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‘Premiership rugby is a big step up’: Dubai Sharks undecided over promotion to top tier
Dubai Sharks remain undecided over accepting promotion to the top flight of regional rugby, having sealed their biggest success to date on Saturday.
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Ireland's win over Scotland on Saturday secured a third-place finish in the Guinness Women's Six Nations table.