Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Scully

Ed Sheeran gigs put Munster under pressure over hosting rescheduled Leinster clash

Munster say they will do "everything possible" to play their rescheduled home URC clash with Leinster at Thomond Park at the end of May.

URC chiefs have confirmed the rescheduling of five fixtures involving Irish and Scottish derbies that were postponed over the festive period due to Covid-19 cases.

With Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh originally due to play Leinster and Munster in round 18, those games will now be played on February 11 to allow the Edinburgh v Glasgow Warriors and Munster v Leinster games to take place on the final weekend of the regular season on the weekend of May 20/21/22.

However Munster say they are "exhausting all avenues" to find a solution for the game that is being rescheduled from St Stephen's Day, as Ed Sheeran is playing gigs at Thomond Park on May 5, 7 and 8.

Munster Rugby CEO Ian Flanagan commented: “As Thomond Park is hosting Ed Sheeran concerts in early May we are currently reviewing the feasibility of playing a game on the pitch two weeks later.

Ed Sheeran performing in Cork on May 5, 2018 (Instagram/teddysphotos)

“In meeting all requirements and prioritising our commercial partners, 10-Year Ticket Holders, and Season Ticket Holders we will do everything possible in exhausting all avenues to play the game at Thomond Park.”

In a statement, URC said it is working with Munster to confirm a venue for the fixture.

URC tournament director David Jordan said: “This is an innovative solution to help keep two derby matches outside of the Six Nations window and it is a great credit to all of the teams and broadcasters involved for their willingness to work with us in this situation.

“In these circumstances we hope that the fans of these teams will look forward to the derby games in round 18 where so much will be at stake ahead of URC quarter-finals.

"Of course, given the number of URC teams involved in EPCR knock-out fixtures it has not been possible to keep all of our derby games out of the Six Nations window, but as we continue to reschedule matches we hope to have another positive update shortly.”

Rescheduled URC Fixtures

Friday, February 11

Leinster v Edinburgh, RDS Arena, 6pm

Glasgow Warriors v Munster, Scotstoun, 8.15pm

Friday, March 18

Glasgow Warriors v Edinburgh, 19:35

Weekend of May 20/21/22 (details to be confirmed)

Munster v Leinster

Edinburgh v Glasgow Warriors

Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.