In today's Irish Independent, Paul Kimmage relayed part of an interview with Munster head coach Graham Rowntree, which nearly ended in Rowntree walking out.
After being asked about the safety of today's game in regards to concussion and dementia, Rowntree made it clear to Kimmage that he would not be talking about those issues and that he would not be giving the tough journo any 'juicy' headlines.
I’m not going to get pulled into something that," said Rowntree. "Concussion, dementia, I’m not getting pulled into that. Make it about my life and times as you said — my story — but don’t f**k me over to try and create some juicy story about concussion.
This comment from Rowntree riled up Kimmage, who took it as an attack on the quality of his work and his character.
“I clearly took four years out of my life," replied Kimmage. Four f**king years, to write about a 20-year-old England international [Matt Hampson] who was paralysed from the neck down. Do you know how much money I earned from that? What would you say? Take a guess?”
Graham Rowntree And Paul Kimmage Clash Over Concussion Question
1 January 2023; Munster head coach Graham Rowntree, right, and Conor Murray of Munster after the United Rugby Championship between Ulster and Munster at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
READ HERE: Graham Rowntree Praises Returning Players As Munster Claim Crucial Win Over Bulls
The argument continued and the interview nearly ended as soon as it began with Rowntree threatening to walk out.
“Regardless of who you think you are now if you keep speaking to me like that I’m walking out.
"But you’re not doing it to me. You’re not going to create a concussion story out of me.
“Why the f**k should I stay here now? You had a little rant at me there because I’m not going to roll over for you.”
Thankfully, they were able to move on from the subject, and hopefully we will get the rest of the interview in the coming weeks.
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