Munster confirm Champions Cup tie in Páirc Uí Chaoimh
Munster have confirmed that they will play one of next season's December Champions Cup pool games at SuperValu Páirc Ui Chaoimh in Cork.
The 2006 and 2008 champions usually play their home games in the European competition at Limerick's Thomond Park.
They last played a Champions Cup game in Musgrave Park in Cork against Viadana in 2002.
In recent years, Munster have played friendly games against a South Africa XV and New Zealand Super Rugby team Crusaders at the 45,000-capacity home of Cork GAA.
Munster, under interim head coach Ian Costello, qualified for the Champions Cup after finishing sixth in the URC, thanks to two victories in the final two games.
CEO Ian Flanagan said: "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."
Tickets for December's Champions Cup pool fixture are included with the various season membership offerings.
Munster take on Sharks in Durban in the quarter-finals of the URC on Saturday week.
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