Munster Rugby chief on decision to move Champions Cup game from Thomond Park
Munster CEO Ian Flanagan says that the Reds will move a Champions Cup game to SuperValu Páirc Ui Chaoimh because of falling attendances at Thomond Park in December.
The province has confirmed that it is continuing preparations for hosting pool fixture at the famous Cork venue after securing a place in the tournament last Friday.
Munster's final regular season win over Benetton earned the Reds a URC quarter-final against the Sharks on Saturday week and guaranteed the province a place in Europe's premier club competition for a 31st consecutive year.
The last European Cup pool game that took place in Cork was in December 2002, against Viadana at the old Musgrave Park (now Virgin Media Park.
Munster have recently played sell-out games against South Africa XV and the Crusaders at SuperValu Páirc Ui Chaoimh and expect a similar financial upturn by moving a home Champions Cup game to the home of Cork GAA.
Munster Rugby CEO Ian Flanagan said: 'I would like to congratulate the playing and coaching group for all their hard work in recent weeks in securing two bonus-point wins which resulted in our qualification for next season's Champions Cup.
'This competition is hugely important to us and our supporters, and qualification allows us to continue our preparations for hosting a pool fixture in Cork later this year.
'While we understand that there will be those that are used to seeing our Champions Cup matches in Thomond Park, we feel we have a great opportunity to do something a little different next season.
'A lot of consideration has gone into the decision to move a Champions Cup pool game to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh but showcasing a high-profile competitive fixture to a wider audience is a strategic goal of ours and this aligns with the feedback we have received from many of our supporters.
'Unfortunately, the December Champions Cup pool fixtures in Thomond Park have experienced falling attendances over the last two seasons and the staging of this game in Páirc Uí Chaoimh offers us the opportunity to accommodate more supporters at that match and improve our financial stability which in the current climate is imperative.'
Munster Rugby Chief Operating Officer Philip Quinn added: 'As we have seen in recent years, costs related to the running of the professional game, and indeed at all levels across the province, have increased for multiple reasons.
Those costs will continue to rise rather than fall. In order to improve our financial stability and ensure we remain adequately funded, viable and competitive, we need to weigh up all opportunities which can result in increases in revenue.
'Based on our forecasts, we believe we will achieve a significant financial uplift from hosting this December pool fixture in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh compared to Thomond Park.
'In addition to this, the larger capacity of Páirc Uí Chaoimh will allow even more people to experience a competitive Munster Rugby European matchday which provides a fantastic opportunity to grow our support base, not just in Cork but right across the southern part of the province.
'We have listened to plenty of supporter feedback from our games against South Africa XV and the Crusaders and we will work tirelessly to ensure the matchday experience is of the highest quality.'
A ticket for December's Champions Cup pool fixture in Páirc Uí Chaoimh is included with the various season membership offerings. Remaining tickets will be available once the details of the fixture are confirmed.
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