Leinster and Leicester renew their rivalry as they meet in yet another Champions Cup quarter-final this Friday evening. While all eyes on these shores had been looking at the prospect of another dazzling Leinster performance, there'll be Irish interest on the Leicester side as well. Former Munster prop and Corkman James Cronin looks likely to tangle with the imposing Leinster front-row.
Cronin enjoyed a successful eight-year spell in Muster appearing 143 times for the club and gaining three Ireland caps. He left Munster to go to French club Biarritz ahead of the 2o21/22 season before moving on to join Leicester. The Corkonian has flourished there clearly making his mark, Leicester are now third in the Premiership and competing for a European semi-final this Friday.
James Cronin's buses of fans comment 'tongue-in-cheek'
Speaking to the Irish Independent ahead of the game, James Cronin spoke of his excitement at playing in Dublin and said 'busloads of fans' from his local club Highfield in Cork were venturing up to the Aviva Stadium to support him and Leicester on Friday night.
He said:
I found out on the weekend that my home club in Cork is organising buses of people up to Dublin for the game, to cheer on Leicester and myself, getting behind us... That is a very special feeling to know there will be plenty cheering for us, on top of Tigers fans who travel so well and support this club.
The comments have sparked an online debate about Munster fans supporting Leinster's European rivals in the Heineken Cup. There are, famously, accounts of Munster fans who supported Leicester when they met Leinster in 2009 Heineken Cup.
However, in this specific instance, it appears there won't be a strong contingent of Cork people supporting Leicester on Good Friday. Balls.ie spoke to someone at Cronin's club Highfield and it's believed the quotes are being misinterpreted.
The club spokesman said he believed Cronin's comments were 'tongue-in-cheek' and there are no known plans for buses of fans to leave the club en masse, but rather, a small number of Cronin's family and friends meeting at the club's car park.
Leinster v Leicester kicks off at 8pm on Friday night in the Aviva stadium as Leo Cullen's side attempt to win another European Champions Cup.
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