LEINSTER Rugby said it "apologises sincerely" after a pro-IRA song was played after its win against Connacht at the RDS in Dublin.
The Wolfe Tones song Celtic Symphony, which features the lyrics 'Ooh Ah, Up the Ra', came on in the stadium as the players celebrated their United Rugby Championship league victory on Sunday night.
The song was soon faded out after one verse and chorus.
Leinster Rugby later released a statement to apologise for the song being played.
"A song was played over the PA at the RDS Arena this evening that shouldn’t have been played," the statement said.
"Leinster Rugby has taken measures to ensure it doesn’t happen again and apologises sincerely for its use and for any offence caused."
Why the need to apologise … maybe those complaining should actually listen to the song in context … the usual suspects make yet another attempt to alienate Irish songs … https://t.co/H3We2MEaDQ
— The Wolfe Tones (@wolfetones) January 2, 2023
It comes just months after the song caused controversy when the Republic's women's football team were captured singing it after they beat Scotland in a play-off to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Australia.
The video appeared to have been taken from an Instagram live stream in the dressing-room as the jubilant players celebrated reaching the World Cup finals for the first time.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and Republic women's boss Vera Pauw apologised at the time "for any offence caused". The FAI was later fined more than £17,000 by UEFA for "the violation of the basic rules of decent conduct" after the incident.
