The Munster Schools Senior Cup or Munster Senior Cup is the under-age rugby union competition for schools affiliated to the Munster Branch of the IRFU. The competition is currently sponsored by Avonmore.
Schools rugby is seen by the IRFU as one of the two channels for players to learn their rugby and advance to senior levels. This notwithstanding, the schools competitions generate significant interest in their own right whilst old rivalries are re-awakened, and nostalgic memories abound ensuring that nobody who has been through the system remains untouched.
The inaugural Munster Schools Senior Cup took place in 1909 and since then Cork City's two all-Boys Catholic fee-paying schools have been very much to the fore, as the only rugby playing schools in the city, with Presentation Brothers College, Cork and Christian Brothers College, Cork leading the way with 28 titles each.Rockwell College (24) were once the team to beat in the competition, holding the record of most wins until the 1970s. However Rockwell have only managed to win the cup three times since.
Limerick's dominant club scene, smaller population and larger number of competing (non-fee paying) schools has led to more modest achievements. Limerick CBS (4) made the first mark in the 20s and 30s, Crescent College¹ (9) in the 40s, 50s and 80s, Mungret College in 1941 and St. Munchin's (5) the first 1968 and the current lead in the 00s. In addition Ardscoil Rís, Glenstal and St. Enda's have all competed in finals.
The competition's final generally takes place every year on St. Patrick's day and alternates between being played in Thomond Park or Musgrave Park — unless there are two teams from one city playing, in which case the game takes place in that city.
Many players that have taken part in (and won) the Senior cup have gone on to represent Munster and Ireland. Former winners of the Cup include:, Ronan O'Gara (PBC), Peter Stringer (PBC), David Wallace (Crescent), Donnacha Ryan (St. Munchin's) and Keith Earls (St. Munchin's). Jerry Flannery (St. Munchin's) and Paul O'Connell (Ardscoil Rís) also played Senior Cup rugby for their respective schools.
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