Where better to host a World Spirit of Rugby Banquet than Limerick? Eh, no where, so Limerick it is as the Irish rugby community gathers next Friday in the Castletroy Park Hotel. The purpose of the evening is to celebrate the spirit of the game and what it has given to all involved in rugby.

Former Wales and Lions colleagues Ieuan Evans and Robert Jones will be guest speakers and will be joined by representatives from the 48 AIB League clubs, members of the IRFU, members of the media and of the Munster Senior squad. The unique aspect of the event now in it's third year is that it's only function is to say `thank you' to the game of rugby. It is intended that next year the invitation will extend to clubs in the UK.

The aim of the event, supported by Limerick Corporation, Shannon Development and AIB Bank is to tender a national salute to the game of rugby, to celebrate all that is good about the game as Limerick Mayor, John Ryan explained: "I believe that the spirit of rugby has been a great source of enrichment not only to ourselves but to our respective communities.

"The game of rugby encourages a spirit that brings forth the very best of human endeavour - personal achievement; physical and mental fitness; teamwork; fair competition - and above all the ability to accept the outcome and deal with the circumstances with dignity and grace." The words could so easily have been applied to Munster's European adventures this season.