Schools face fine if match trouble flares
Schools have been warned that they will be fined and supporters banned if tensions flare up during today’s Munster Senior Rugby Cup ties at Musgrave Park and Thomond Park.
Letters warning of a “zero tolerance” approach to antisocial behaviour, including pitch invasions and the use of flares, were issued to all schools participating in the competition shortly before December. Schools recirculated the letters to parents this week ahead of the crunch ties.
Body and bag searches will take place as students enter the stadiums today, with supporters potentially being refused access if they breach rules. All students are to get wristbands instead of tickets and be directed to designated sections.
Presentation Brothers Cork take on Rockwell in the first of two ties at Musgrave Park. This will be followed by Bandon Grammar School versus Glenstal Abbey. In Thomond Park, Ard Scoil Rís take on Castletroy followed by Crescent College Comprehensive against Christian Brothers Cork.
In all, more than 3,000 supporters are expected to attend the four games.
The letters warn of strict punishments for schools if pupils break rules. It follows issues with the “persistent use of pyrotechnics” in previous years.
“Please be aware that there will be a zero tolerance to the illegal use of and possession of flares in the stadium,” the letter states.
Should a pyrotechnic/flare be ignited within the designated school section, the offending school, should they win that game, will be subject to a fine equal to the amount of wristbands sold for the game and a one match ban for the next game.
If the school loses and is eliminated from the competition, the ban will be deferred until next season. The financial penalty will still stand.
Students will be subject to body and bag searches, according to the letter. It notes that “trained security personnel” will be on hand to carry out these searches and students who refuse to permit a bag search may be refused entry to the stadium.
A Munster Rugby spokesperson said the rules were introduced as a “general guideline for large-scale, well-attended events”.
“It is about ensuring the health and safety of all attendees, including students and families,” they said.
