Ireland and Leinster star James Lowe admits there is no love lost between his side and Munster.
The two teams will meet for the first time in the United Rugby Championship this weekend at Croke Park, and the high-profile clash has already sold out.
It’s long been known that both sides aren't particularly fond of each other, a sentiment Lowe confirmed this week ahead of the game.
The New Zealand-born winger admits that Leinster never enjoy losing to Munster in any capacity.
“It’s pretty mutual, I’m sure,” Lowe told The42.ie.
“You don’t like losing to Munster. It’s always a big week, no matter where or when you play them. But obviously, playing at Croker against Munster is pretty significant on both fronts, so it’s something we’re looking forward to.
James Lowe of Leinster in action against Munster (Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)“To be involved with Leinster in a rivalry that I’ve sort of inherited is pretty exciting. It’s something I really look forward to.”
Lowe is aware that his mutual dislike for his Ireland teammates is reciprocated when it comes to provincial rugby, but he acknowledges that this animosity will be forgotten when they don the Irish jersey again for the upcoming Autumn Series in November.
“And there’s a mutual hatred between the boys. As much as I love to see them succeed and I play with a lot of them, you know, when it comes to it, if Casey is in front of me, I don’t care. If Calvin’s in front of me, I don’t care.
“And I’m sure they’re saying the exact same thing on the other side. But at the end of the day, we’ll shake hands and hopefully see each other in November.
“It’s just a red and a blue jumper, and when it comes to playing against each other, we don’t like each other."
Kick-off is at 5:45 PM tomorrow, and the match will be broadcast live on RTÉ 2 and Premier Sports 1.
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