Cross Keys aim to topple mighty Munster

Forget the Heineken Cup - the eyes of Cross Keys will be on Cork tomorrow, as the town's rugby club prepares for perhaps the biggest game in its history. The Welsh Premiership outfit, which has produced players like Toby Faletau and Lloyd Burns, takes on Munster 'A' in the final of the British and Irish Cup.

With the exception of Dragons pair Jason Tovey and Jevon Groves - who've been drafted in for the occasion - the Cross Keys squad are made up of semi-professional players who ply very different trades by day:

"A lot of the guys here are tradesmen", says captain Rob Nash, himself a bricklayer: "I know a few of the boys are electricians and carpenters. We do have one accountant, I think that's about as high as it goes!"

To get this far, Keys have had to overcome a series of sides from across Britain. The semi-final victory over English professionals Cornish Pirates was a triumph in itself, but the Gwent team aren't going to Musgrave Park to make up the numbers.

"That won't happen" says technical director and ex Wales international Mark Ring. "We're realistic about our opportunity, playing over in Ireland against a top quality side. But by the same token I've got a lot of confidence in my team. 18 months ago I wouldn't have been saying the same, but 18 months ago we wouldn't have come this far in the competition either."

Keys also have a SWALEC Cup Final to look forward to at the Millennium Stadium in May. What price a double dose of cup glory for the men of Gwent?