‘Younger players will realise that this can happen’
From Back Page and the education pieces. That has been a transparent process. That’s been done according to the book.’ Flanagan added: ‘Ultimately, this boils down to human error on the dispensing side. For good or ill, human error is something that we have to live with in that space. ‘It has unfortunately led to a lengthy investigation and a sanction for James but I think it’s plain to see, clearly the length of the sanction clearly reflects that in the words of the EPCR finding no significant fault was attached to the player on this and his level of responsibility was low. I’m happy having gone through the process and seen how thorough it was and dealt directly with the IRFU and with EPCR and Sport Ireland that it was a transparent and very comprehensive process. ‘I think everyone can see that and understand why the sanction was imposed but also understand that it was, in the words of the judicial officer, down to an unexpected and serious error on the part of the pharmacy.’ Flanagan, who was appointed Munster’s new chief executive in October, also confirmed that Cronin would be taking part in education programmes with younger members of the squad. ‘I think the real outcome of this will be that all of the players and particularly the younger players coming through the academy will realise that this can happen, that this has happened to someone in the dressing room. ‘So I would be hopeful that that would have a real impact and underlying the seriousness with which they look at any medical treatment, any medicines in this space that is extremely serious, and they have to check and double-check and triple-check what they’re taking and ensure that it is what was prescribed but it’s also the right thing for them to take. ‘So I think it will bring it home that it’s very real and it’s a very apparent danger that they need to be aware of.’ Flanagan also confirmed that the province remains in negotiations
with several parties over acquiring the naming rights to Thomond Park in the future. ‘There are probably two or three relatively serious conversations underway,’ he added. ‘They have largely been put on pause. We’ll pick them up when it’s the right time to do that.’ Meanwhile, James Lowe is set to miss a significant portion of his side’s pre-season preparations. The Leinster star has returned to New Zealand for personal reasons.