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October 13, 2010

Posted on 10/13/2010

Culture clash

Writing in the Irish Independent, Hugh Farrelly previews Munster's Heineken Cup meeting with Toulon.

"Bankrolled by Mourad Boudjellal -- who made his millions in the cartoon business -- Toulon have been throwing their financial weight about for some time, having had the likes of Tana Umaga, George Gregan and Andrew Mehrtens on their salary sheet as they set about gaining a foothold in the top flight of French rugby.

"Since that was achieved, the same financial clout has allowed Boudjellal to assemble a squad of superstars that would do justice to one of his comic- strip fantasies, with Jonny Wilkinson, Felipe Contepomi, Carl Hayman, George Smith and Joe van Niekerk representing some of the most talented and well-established names in the world game.

"Munster have had a smattering of glamorous overseas signings over the years -- Christian Cullen, Doug Howlett and Jean de Villiers -- but their success has been driven by parochial power through an identification with the jersey and province rather than from acquired overseas talent."


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