MUNSTER may be concentrating on their upcoming Heineken Cup semi-final against Saracens, but they’ll be returning to the US this summer ahead of the 2008-9 season.

THE mission to convert thousands of Irish expatriates in Chicago has been a success, according to Munster Rugby chief executive, Garrett Fitzgerald, who hopes the link between the Irish province and the States will continue to strengthen.

THE signs of a physical, hard-hitting match against the USA Eagles were visible as Munster went for a mid-morning conditioning session with head of fitness, Paul Derbyshire, on the shores of Lake Michigan yesterday.

USA Rugby’s PR department are struggling to create a fuss in the build-up to tomorrow’s inaugural Setanta Sports Challenge Cup between their World Cup-bound national team and tourists Munster at Toyota Park (kick off 8:10pm Irish time).

MUNSTER RUGBY may not have been born in the USA, but the official final run–in to their new season began in Chicago yesterday.

Munster coach Declan Kidney has announced his Munster 26-man squad for the pre-season trip to have Chicago next Wednesday morning.

Celtic have announced the second date of their pre-season visit to the United States.

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