From toddlers to teens to OAPs were putting their hands in their pocket for the must-have jerseys.

Colm McCarthy, store manager at Elverys in the Crescent, said it was the busiest day they've had since Christmas.

"We had phenomenal sales. We sold at least 150 on the first day, We had to organise extra stock due to the demand," said Mr McCarthy, who sold a lot more when Paul O'Connell, Keith Earls and Alan Quinlan visited the store on Saturday morning. Hundreds of fans got their new jerseys signed by three of the most popular players in the Munster squad.

Tracy Whelan's, store manager of Gleeson Sport Scene on WIlliam Street, said they couldn't replenish the tops fast enough.

"It was fairly chaotic. We had to bring all the stock out on to the shopfloor as we couldn't replenish them fast enough," said Ms Whelan, who added that the new colour scheme and design was finding favour with fans.

"We got a lot of complaints and negative complaints about the red and black jerseys but everybody seems to like the more traditional new red ones. It's a really nice jersey," said Ms Whelan. It was the same story in the Munster Rugby Store on O'Connell Street where the tills were ringing all day. One of the first to make a purchase in the Munster Rugby Store was Ballynanty man Dermot McNamara.

"Sure where I live, I'm looking into Thomond Park," said Mr McNamara, who is an avid supporter of the men in red. "I bought the away jersey because I love going to all the away games. I'm looking forward to the Perpignan game. I always buy the jersey on the first or second day it's out," said Mr McNamara.

Gerard Cox, Prospect, has passed on the love of rugby to his 17 year-old son Patrick.

"We go to all the matches and are members of the Munster Rugby Supporters Club," said Mr Cox snr.

Kids jerseys cost between €45 and €55 depending on size and adults are priced at around €59.