" Munster Rugby wishes to dissociate itself from the paraphernalia displayed in various national newspapers today in connection with the court ruling that allows pubs to open on Good Friday. We believe it to be wholly inappropriate and insensitive and strongly object to the linkage between those products and the brand that is Munster Rugby.

As already stated, we requested that the Munster v Leinster game be played on Saturday April 3rd. However, the competition organizers, Celtic Rugby, opted for Friday 2nd. We are bound to comply with our contractual obligations, which stipulate that we must play on the date ordained by Celtic Rugby."

This morning, Munster officials visited the shop that had tee shirts displayed and had all those carrying the official Munster logo withdrawn while requesting that others also be withdrawn from sale.