Sir, – In commenting on the progression of climate change, Gerard Moore (Letters, May 27th) suggests that “a significant factor in Leinster’s disappointing defeat in Bilbao was the insufferable heat”.
While it was indeed uncomfortably warm in the stands – and no doubt even more so on the pitch – discussions on the impacts of climate change are best grounded in scientific evidence. The same standard should apply when assessing the performance of our premier provincial rugby side.
On this occasion, the scoreboard tells its own story. To attribute such a result in significant part to the weather is, quite simply, a case of hot air. Leinster were comprehensively beaten.
As autumn approaches, we can at least look forward to returning to our spiritual home in the RDS after two seasons of nomadic existence – back to the cold, the rain and the exorbitantly priced pints – and the start of another arduous pursuit of Champions Cup glory.
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In the meantime, one hopes the Champions Cup administrators will reconsider what does – and does not – constitute an appropriate venue for a final. Choosing a rugby stadium in a rugby-playing city, within a rugby-playing country, would be a sensible place to start, whatever the weather. – Yours, etc,
GARRETT MURRAY
Dublin 8.
