'It's about legacy, it's about the Munster jersey'

Munster assistant coach Fiona Hayes says retaining their Interprovincial Series title would show there is more to women's rugby in Ireland outside of Dublin.

The defending champions are firm favourites to secure back to back titles when they take on Connacht at the Sportsground (1pm), bringing a five-point lead into the final round of games.

A win, a draw or even a losing bonus point against Connacht will see them crowned champions again. The western province could pip them, but would need a bonus point win of their own by at least 33 points. Likewise, should Munster lose by more than seven, Leinster would also come back into the picture, but would need a bonus point win of their own against Ulster in Belfast.

For Hayes, the Interpro series represents an opportunity for Munster to restore some pride.

While they are the defending champions, and historically the most successful province in the women's game, the last few years have seen a changing of the guard at club level, with the big Dublin clubs like Railway Union, Blackrock and Old Belvedere overtaking UL Bohemians, who once dominated the AIL.

And with the current Munster squad heavily populated with Bohs players, Hayes says retaining their title is a matter of pride.

"The big thing, we have girls playing up in Dublin, but the big thing is that Bohs as a team would be predominantly Munster players, and in the last couple of years we've seen a lot of the Dublin teams dominate, so it's very good for Munster to be able to go out and win an Interpros, and if you can win two-in-a-row, you're showing there's serious talent here in the province," she said.

"It's about legacy, it's about the Munster jersey, you're dealing with each year separately, you've new players coming in and