Former Ireland International Says What Everyone Is Thinking About Toulon
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‘I hate Toulon.’
Former Ireland international Tony Ward has written an excellent piece in the Irish Independent this morning about the resurgence of the Irish provinces and their success in Europe this season.
Ward also takes aim at three-time European champions Toulon, who were knocked out this past weekend by Clermont as they continue to struggle. The professional, turned pundit says that he hates ‘Toulon and everything their three European Cup titles stand for.’
Indeed, if one result delighted me as much Leinster and Munster’s victories, it was Clermont putting bought-in success and what Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal espouses to the sword for another year at least (given that another bus-load of global stars is due to arrive in the summer, along with Fabien Galthie as the latest head coach).
Ward goes on to say that while overseas players are an integral part of the game, buying silverware is ‘bonkers.’
Overseas players are an integral part of professional rugby, and they can bring a lot in terms of new ideas, but to have-money mad clubs buying silverware is bonkers.
And if the local population cannot understand that, then I suggest they take a look at the decline in the French national side.
I may criticise the IRFU from time to time but the Irish system has become the model to which many others around the world aspire – even if it is not perfect.
You can read the excellent piece in full here.
