“Bit of genius. Bit of magic. Sireli Bobo. Very interesting. Very good. Yeah. Three cheers for Sireli Bobo. Very good. Very good.” - Saracens’ former director of rugby Brendan Venter discusses Bobo’s try in a bizarre post-match interview after Racing Metro ended Sarries’ European ambitions.
“I’m not a martyr, I was just trying to make a bit of a point through a joke, to show that there’s another way of doing things if doing interviews is what you want, but don’t bother asking for my opinion, if my honest opinion is not what you want.”- Venter reflecting on that infamous interview.
“It feels fantastic. We came here to spoil the party and we’ve certainly done that. It’s going to be a good night.”- Scotland out-half Dan Parks heads for Temple Bar after the visitors scupper Ireland’s bid for a fifth triple crown in their last Test match at Croke Park. Boo.
“That tackle would have made Norman Hunter blush.” - David Ellis, France defensive coach, reflects on a wild kick from Jerry ‘Bite Yer Legs’ Flannery.
“In previous interviews I may have said that I only plan on playing for another two seasons but I’ve gone completely the other way now. I can’t see myself stopping.”- Ronan O’Gara ensures the out-half selection debate will continue for another while yet
“Biarritz played very cleverly in the second half. Their set piece was excellent and they kicked into the corners well. they put us under a tremendous amount of pressure and shut up shop.” – Tony McGahan laments Munster’s exit from the Heineken Cup.
“I have studied the tape of the Italy game and Ireland cheated for the entire 80 minutes.” – But what does France scrum-half Morgan Parra really think?
“Quite simplyIrish rugbyhas lost one of its most genuine characters and legends of the game.” IRFU President Caleb Powell adds to the many tributes as Moss Keane passes away.
“We’re very disappointed because we felt we had two finals in us.” Leinster coach Michael Chieka bows out.
@BrianODriscoll My 100th cap definitely felt different. I was more emotional than I thought I was going to be. Winning made it all the better.
@Paul_OConnell 100 caps for John hayes on Saturday. Great achievement.
@DevinToner4 Absolutely delighted to get the nod for Saturday, match can’t come quick enough. Cheers for all the messages of good luck too.
Political Football
“The irony is that Minister Ryan’s proposal would destroy both the sport and the very cultural events the Minister believes he would be protecting. Irish rugby has been a uniting bond for people across the island for well over 100 years, through all the most difficult times in modern history and the ’troubles’ in particular.”- IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne warning against government attempts to enforce free-to-air television broadcasting of rugby in May
