With Leinster’s searing start to the season yielding 14 wins and no losses, one ex-England star has joked about the gap between the Blues and their Irish provincial counterparts.
Leo Cullen’s side have been perfect to date in both the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup, with a 42-21 win over Bath in the latter last weekend further underlining their title-winning credentials for the year.
Meanwhile, the fortunes of Munster, Ulster and Connacht have been mixed thus far – and ex-England out-half Andy Goode couldn’t resist a joke at Leinster’s expense.
Leinster have notched 14 wins from 14 matches so far this season. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
Leinster dwarf the other three provinces in terms of central contracts, with Robbie Henshaw’s new two-year extension signed in December keeping the Blues with nine players whose salaries are paid wholly by the IRFU.
Elsewhere, just one player each from the other three provinces are centrally contracted; Munster’s Tadhg Beirne, Connacht centre Bundee Aki and Iain Henderson of Ulster.
😂😂😂😂 🤥🤥🤥🤥 pic.twitter.com/JgJourArUV
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) January 21, 2025
With Leinster blazing a trail on two fronts while their interprovincial rivals toil, Goode posted a meme which poked fun at the IRFU’s funding model.
The caption contained a quote attributed to IRFU performance director David Humphreys that “IRFU funds are equally distributed”. With a Leinster crest next to a glossy team bus, the other three teams’ logos were attached beside a car, milk float and caravan from the iconic sitcom Father Ted.
Message to Ulster, Connacht and Munster rugby…”Get good!” from a Leinster supporter.
— HitchIrish (@HitchIrish) January 21, 2025
There’s no difference between Leinster and Toulouse but Leinster get all the hate and it’s getting boring now
— Chris (@Therealchris100) January 22, 2025
Surprised to see Andy Goode join the begrudgers. Always thought from his podcast he was reasonably sensible
— Blue Hoo (@BlueHoo4) January 21, 2025
Uploading the image to X with a series of laughing emojis, Goode’s post wasn’t received well by some Leinster fans.
‘Message to Ulster, Connacht and Munster rugby…”Get good!” from a Leinster supporter,’ one responded.
While another said: ‘There’s no difference between Leinster and Toulouse but Leinster get all the hate and it’s getting boring now.’
‘Surprised to see Andy Goode join the begrudgers,’ came another response. ‘Always thought from his podcast he was reasonably sensible.’
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source link
