Twice during the second half, the stadium's big screen . . . its output controlled by Sky . . . showed the large crowd gathered in O'Connell Street in Limerick and Biarritz president Marcel Martin believes the Irish province gained an unfair advantage as a result.

"I have written to the ERC to complain because I think the broadcaster in the stadium should have been neutral.

It was Sky and obviously they chose to show what they wanted. I'm not saying it was a determining issue in the match but the fact that the Munster players said after the game that it lifted them, meant it was a factor.

"The broadcaster should be neutral. It's there to report the match, not to give an incentive to either of the two teams. We also had two giant screens in our stadium with thousands of people watching it but nothing was shown."

Mr Martin also complained that his club were at a disadvantage due to the ERC's insufficient organisation in Cardiff. Despite the fact that it was known legions of Irish fans would be travelling to the city, Mr Martin claims the body failed to ensure that accommodation would be set aside for the finalists.

"Because of the semi-final between Munster and Leinster, Irish fans knew one of them would certainly be in the final and therefore they could make all the arrangements regarding travel one month in advance. So, after our semi-final we struggled to find accommodation for the team and had to call over 100 hotels because everything had been booked solid by Irish fans. We finally found one but it was not the one we wanted. The ERC should have taken steps to make sure both teams were protected."