19/08/2026
Did you know?
In the late 1990s, looking to capitalise on similar success that rugby league had recently had in England and Austrlaia/nz renaming many of the top teams as a combination of place name and characters (Bradford Bulls, Warringtin Wolves, Sydney Rooaters, St George Dragons etx), IrishRugby and the provinces decided to do the same for the provincial teams.
Ulster Rugby were to become the Ulster Knights. The concept didn't get past concept stage and prototype. Although in later years the A team was rebranded as the Ravens.
Connacht Rugby were to become the connacht eagles. The eagle already featured prominently on the crest so there wasnt much change there (although the eagle did start to feature much more prominently in jersey designs in some seasons shortly thereafter), and the senior team never rebranded, with the A team ultimately taking on the Connacht Eagles moniker.
Munster Rugby were to become the Munster Stags. The name didn't stick but the revised incorporation of the stag was well received and remains to this day. As a bye note, given the origins of all this, it was ironic the Munster rugby league masters / over 35s team ultimately adopted the "munster stags" name.
Last but most intriguingly, Leinster Rugby became the Leinster Lions, a title still used to this day in as a term of affection. The new crest was fully adopted by the province, appearing on all official correspondence, match programmes, tickets etc. But a line was drawn with the jerseys, and ultimately the failure to incorporate the new creative into the playing gear and replica shirts led to the brand being quietly replaced by the new stylised harp logo still in use today.
It didn't disappear totally though; as well as the general deference to the nickname still widely used by fans and the media, the great Leo the Lion, who featured squarely at centre stage on the new crest, remains a survivor nearly 30 years on, and a much loved character on match days and beyond for Leinster fans, you and old alike! 🦁
