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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Scully

Munster to face Crusaders in February with Pairc Ui Chaoimh the potential venue

The reigning URC and Super Rugby champions will face each other for the first time when Munster take on the Crusaders in the 'Clash of the Champions'.

The clash has been pencilled in for Saturday, February 3rd next year with a 5pm kick-off.

No venue has yet been confirmed but, having successfully hosted South Africa 'A' at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, may well look to return to the bigger Cork venue rather than play at their Thomond Park home.

READ MORE: Ireland v Australia LIVE updates from U20 Rugby World Cup clash

It will also mean a return to the province for Rob Penney, the former Munster supremo who recently succeeded the ultra-successful Scott Robertson in the Crusaders hot-seat, with Robertson taking on the All Blacks job after the World Cup.

Meetings with Munster and Bristol Bears will be part of the New Zealand club's pre-season programme.

Munster ended a 12-year famine when they claimed the URC crown against the Stormers in Cape Town last month.

New Zealand's Crusaders, meanwhile, cemented their dominance in Super Rugby by beating the Chiefs last weekend to secure the championship for the seventh time in a row.

Munster Rugby CEO, Ian Flanagan said: "We are delighted to welcome the Super Rugby champions to Munster, hosting a ground-breaking fixture against the Crusaders.

"We hold a proud and rich history of playing touring sides and I’ve no doubt next February’s game will be a special occasion for all involved."

Colin Mansbridge, Crusaders CEO, added: "The Crusaders are thrilled to be coming over to Ireland and the UK to face some stiff competition away from home".

"NZ and Australian clubs have been working on the World Club Competition for years, so when an opportunity for Super teams to play Northern Hemisphere counterparts came up, it was just too good to pass up.

"Munster have a history of giving touring sides a pretty hard time, so they present particularly tough competition.

"There’s also the added connection with our new head coach Rob Penney, who coached there."

The venue, and the ticket details, will be confirmed in due course", said Munster.

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