It's becoming the most over-used phrase right now but there are no Irish representatives in the premier European tournament knockout stages for the first time since 1998.
I'm sorry for repeating that ad nauseam, but it's a crucial piece of information for this article. Because Exeter Chiefs have tried to take advantage of this by appealing to Irish fans to support them in their first Champions Cup quarter-final. They do boast Irishmen Ian Whitten and Gareth Steenson in their ranks so they do have more Irish connections than some of the other teams in the tournament.
Unfortunately, they phrased their appeal a little too inaccurately.
No @IrishRugby clubs left in Europe it's up to @steeno10 and @IanWhitten12 to fly the flag - https://t.co/IP2gSdcpCF pic.twitter.com/ZV2afLfC9m
— Exeter Chiefs (@ExeterChiefs) April 9, 2016
That left the door open for the Irish Rugby twitter account to smack Exeter Chiefs' hands like an Irish mother scolded a disobedient child trying to sneak a cookie before they've had a chance to cool down:
@ExeterChiefs @steeno10 @IanWhitten12 @WaspsRugby @ChampionsCup beg to differ. @connachtrugby are flying the flag in Europe this weekend :-)
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) April 9, 2016
If the Exeter Chiefs wanted more supporters all they needed to do is show us their highlights and how they play rugby which is so stark to the rest of the bosh tastic Premiership and they'll garner more fans.
See Also: The Cringe-Worthy Champions Cup Preview Makes You Glad No Irish Teams Are Involved
Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
