DESPITE THE BITTER nature of the defeat, the agonising way in which they lost out to their inter-provincial rivals, Ulster still managed to show their class at the Kingspan Stadium tonight.
After losing 15-14 on account of Rory Scannell’s late drop-goal, Ulster captain Rob Herring and some of his men grabbed a crate of beer and crossed the corridor to share a moment with Munster in memory of Anthony Foley.
Speaking after the game at Kingspan Stadium, Munster’s director of rugby Rassie Erasmus lauded the Ulstermen.
“From last week with the funeral, Les Kiss was down, Rory Best was there, the supporters wanted to help up,” said Erasmus.
“I have so much respect for Irish people from the last two weeks. I always had respect for them, but I just couldn’t believe the way they stand for each other here.
From before the game, to after the game, it’s always tough when you lose a game. But they came in there with a few protein shakes and beers afterwards into our team room and offered them to the guys.
“That takes special men to do that, so they obviously have a great spirit here. It’s not for nothing that they were leaders of the log.
“It’s humbling to know this, because it doesn’t really happen in professional rugby anymore with guys coming over to your changing room to share a beer with you. It was nice.”
Ulster this week revealed a new plaque in the away changing room at Kingspan Stadium in memory of Foley.
Director of rugby Kiss said that the post-match beer was just another way for Ulster to pay their respects.
“We just made a commitment beforehand that whatever happened, we’d do it,” said Kiss. “As you know, we put the plaque up there for Axel and it was just a gesture to stand with him and have a beer and a chat.
While it’s a battle out there and you go at each other, there are some things that are bigger and better than the game.
“One of those things is that we go in there and respect that, because they’ve been through some tough times.
“We did it out of respect and to honour Axel, really, and it’s just a shame that the beer wasn’t as sweet as I would have liked it to be.”
Pure class from Ulster!
Fantastic!!
the definition of Irish rugby..its all about commeradarie…Thats who we are..we are 4 . but we are one.
Well said
Magic-what a lovely gesture-fair play Ulster-class act
He’s right about us Irish!! We shouldn’t forget our nature as we go through tough times.
We should just get it on and form an Irish union and we can all be “unionists” then!
Knowing how crafty Kiss is, he probably offered the Munster players a few beers before the game as well! Seriously though, so much class being shown by all at Ulster, you really wouldn’t begrudge them some success.
Sometimes it’s hard to say words. Ulster said a lot with that gesture. I’m sure it was much appreciated by the munster lads.
Living abroad at this time stories like this really hit home why been Irish is so important and unique
It’s things like these that make you so proud to be Irish. Hats off to all concerned.
What a gesture. Pure class.
Exactly whatthe game is about. Credit all round.
It may be another Axel legacy moment. A post match beer and a chat – keeping rugby ahead of the pack.
Plenty of beer in Ulster. We have been bottling for about 10 years!
The rugby community have outdone themselves. The generosity of spirit is incredible and will be great comfort to the Foley family.
I’m from kinsale and have lived in Northern Ireland the last 12 years go to this match every year In belfast and try to get to as many Munster games as I can with my Ulster wife she loves the new people and friendship we meet with other fans at matchs as I do cause we support two different derby teams but today at 1 minute after midnight our first child was born a wee girl called amber if she was a boy we were gonna call her axel was her idea but we are over the moon and the deal was who wins this game is gonna be here team so I’ve a wee Munster jersey ordered
WAHEY! Congrats!
Congratulations to you both, what a wonderful story and context to share with your daughter when she grows up. You’ll never forget the night (or next morning) she was born!
Congratulations! But don’t name your child a nickname, good and all as it is, Anthony is an actual name
Axel is actually a valid name not a nick name beal bocht. Mostly in Nordic countries and Germany. I have colleagues called Axel.
I fukcing love rugby!!!!!!!!!
This is why I want my kids playing rugby.
It is a small enough community that whatever happens resonates with everyone
That plaque is the epitome of class
Bravo Ulster, bravo!
Fair play Ulster. Backed Munster @14/1 at half time. Bazinga!!
Quality from Ulster classy bunch
Great respect for Ulster. Beautiful tribute to Axel. Brilliant second half for Munster, Donnacha Ryan was brillant tonight. I’m afraid for Ian Keatly. His nerve is gone.
Rugby, has seriously stepped up to the plate since Anthony’s passing!! Back to old school values!
It was the spirit of true rugby an that was the spirit of Axel also. Proud of you Ulster for that beautiful gesture in your defeat. You win hands down to my way of thinking.
Nice touch lads. Respect.
Wow. Kudos to the ulster men of war from a connacht man…
Class from Ulster. Well done
Fair play Ulster. Respect!
Axel came from the amateur era and progressed to professionalism. It is great to see that despite money the old ethos still applies. Leave it on the field and have a beer together afterwards. It’s only sport. Playing days end but friendships forged can last forever. Well done Ulster for staying true to our wonderful game.
Well done Ulster.
Things like this. Why I love the game.
Amazing class from Ulster!
Now that’ s the true spirit of rugby.fantastic.
What a gesture. Must have been hard.. giving the finish
God,I love rugby. Kudos Ulster. Kudos.
SUFTUM. A beautiful gesture.
Class act !!!
Hope that idiot that bores everyone by repeating “build a wall and keep the nordies out” reads this.Then again….
A lovely gesture from ulster.fair play to all concerned.what a class sport rugby is.
Well done Ulster. Pure Classy!!!
Great show of respect, the true ethos of sportsmanship.
Our hearts were breaking welcoming the Munster team out on the field at Ravenhill last night. Memories of Nevin. A lovely standing ovation from the fans, but so proud of our players for the after match gesture. Actions like that outlast the memories of results – bravo – truly a win win last night. Very proud of my Ulster men xx
Stand up for the Ulstermen (and women) indeed.
The few verses of the The Fields the previous week was amazing enough in itself. Would we give a few verses of the Sash.
Things are changing for the better on this Island and Rugby, being an all island game, is fittingly leading the way to a better future.
This is why we love rugby. Pure class …
Thats the difference between soccer and rugby. Everton had a minutes clapping for hillsboroughs anniversary and everyone shat the pants with appreciation ffs. Class is inbuilt to rugby
To err is human, and soccer is def more human.
Great sportsmanship