During the week, the IRFU and Munster issued a joint statement regarding their continued support for Gerbrandt Grobler. The province has been the subject of much media criticism due to their summer signing of the South African who previously served a two-year ban for taking a banned substance.
Grobler "will continue to be considered for selection" during his time with Munster told the statement and added:
While some hold the view that rugby should provide no road-back for those that have taken a banned substance in the past, it would not be within the spirit and values of rugby to turn its back on every person that ever made a bad decision, having made restitution.
That support was also forthcoming from Munster fans on Saturday night as their side enjoyed an easy win against Zebre. In the 59th minute, Grobler entered the game for his Munster debut.
Munster score 33-5 bonus point win v Zebre. 5 tries. Big reception for Gerbrant Grobler when introduced. Sam Arnold with 2 tries. Copeland Man of the Match. Williams 150th cap & successful comeback from injury for Goggin #MUNvZEB
— Colm Kinsella (@ckSportLeader) February 10, 2018
He received a rapturous welcome from the Thomond Park crowd - one equal to the roar which had followed Rory Scannell's bonus point try just moments earlier.
