The quarter-finals of the European Champions Cup take place this weekend, and unusually, there is no Irish involvement in the final eight. However, Connacht are flying the flag for the country in the Challenge Cup.
Munster, Leinster and Ulster all failed to emerge from their pools, and therefore the only Irish representatives left in the Champions Cup are Exeter Chiefs pair Gareth Steenson and Ian Whitten.
The Premiership side were quick to point this out.
No @IrishRugby clubs left in Europe it’s up to @steeno10 and @IanWhitten12 to fly the flag – https://t.co/IP2gSdcpCF pic.twitter.com/ZV2afLfC9m
— Exeter Chiefs (@ExeterChiefs) April 9, 2016
However, they made the bad mistake of stating that there is no Irish side left in Europe at all, but Connacht Rugby face Grenoble in the quarter-final of the Challenge Cup this evening.
Irish Rugby hit back immediately.
@ExeterChiefs @steeno10 @IanWhitten12 @WaspsRugby @ChampionsCup beg to differ. @connachtrugby are flying the flag in Europe this weekend 🙂
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) April 9, 2016
Should the western province overcome Bernard Jackman’s side in France tonight, they will then have a home semi-final against English opposition.
It is a big game for Pat Lam’s side, and the whole of the country are behind them.
It is clear that Exeter made a major error when attempting a sly dig at Ireland, but the IRFU were quick to set the record straight.
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Read More About: connacht, european champions cup, gareth steenson, ian whitten, Ireland, Leinster, Munster, premiership, Rugby, ulster
