same thing happened with Munster last week I think

Didn't really happen after the minute silence which is a pity, the players got in position fairly quickly and the crowd started getting ready for the start of the game. Still the minutes silence was impeccably observed and it goes without saying the enormous respect everyone has for Ulster and the Spence family and hopefully Connacht can make some token gesture up in Ravenhill next week.

I missed the start - how did this go?

Hi

Branch has confirmed that MInutes Silence will be observed prior to kickoff..

ConnachtRugbyFacebook wrote: Hi Ronan we are planning on holding a minute silence for Nevin, Noel and Graham Spence before the match begins

I would suggest that following up with SUFTUM at kickoff or just before would be optimum.

Once the game is in full flow it will be harder to get going, and at halftime there are other distractions (loo / beer breaks)....

theCulk wrote: Guys I'm all for showing respect and I would have been fine with doing this in the SG this weekend if we had a home game, but to do so a week later isn't a good idea IMO.

Disagree completely, as it is the first opportunity for the Connacht Rugby community to take just a moment to show our support of Nevin and his family and it doesn't matter if it this weekend or a months time it is as much for us as individuals as it is for the Spence's. To not do it is tantamount to saying ah well, sure funerals over so lets move on...

Guys I'm all for showing respect and I would have been fine with doing this in the SG this weekend if we had a home game, but to do so a week later isn't a good idea IMO.

connachtexile wrote: Gotta say I teared up a little when the Leinster fans started singing Stand Up for the Ulster Men against Edinburgh.

Same as. They were great, everyone on their feet blaring it out

Hope we can do the same next week

Gotta say I teared up a little when the Leinster fans started singing Stand Up for the Ulster Men against Edinburgh.

The IRFU will be requesting that all clubs and representative teams playing matches this coming weekend observe a minute of silence before kick-off and fly their club flag at half mast.

This came down from the IRB. Glad to see something decided upon. Most would have done this anyway but it get rid of the derision of a minutes applause/silence etc.

Hopefully we can do the same in the Sportsground the following week, it would be a great mark of respect and it would be even more fitting given 2 irish teams playing

+1

Looking like this will definitely be sang after the minutes silence on Friday night in Glasgow

Hopefully we can do the same in the Sportsground the following week, it would be a great mark of respect and it would be even more fitting given 2 irish teams playing

Quin Kong wrote: Have a feeling this may happen at every match in the British Isles. Away from politics and crap like that, this is what ultimately rugby is about, respect to those who play and amongst supporters.

Agree wholeheartedly

Have a feeling this may happen at every match in the British Isles. Away from politics and crap like that, this is what ultimately rugby is about, respect to those who play and amongst supporters.

This would be a fitting tribute to Nevin if both sets of supporters were to chant SUFTUM after the minutes silence.

sea_point wrote: Must say not a fan of the minutes applause, always think a minute of silence and reflection is far more powerful and meaningful in these circumstances as nowadays absolute silence is such a rare and precious commodity in our busy and generally pretty selfish lifestyles.

I think if someone has had a full life and left us with many great memories then a minutes applause can be a fitting tribute.

However a round of applause would not be fitting after such a tragedy. I hope nobody tries to turn it into an applause, it wouldn't be right.

Mooted this on the other tread for him. Think it's the least we can do. What would people think about these two other ideas:

1. A book of condolences to be opened for people to pay there respects. I know the logistics of this might be difficult but its feasible.

2. Nevin was big into this charity It's the Ulster Farmers Union charity appeal they aid through Fields of Life so maybe a collection at the gate? I don't want to step on other people's toes if another charity has that date though it's just a thought I'd like to float.