Confirmed: Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh to host Munster's Champions Cup clash with Racing 92

The fixture is subject to Central Council approval but without disruption to that weekend’s potential county hurling finals.

Last week’s draw by competition organisers EPCR handed Clayton McMillan’s an opening-round tie at home against the Parisian Top 14 giants. Pic: Ken Sutton

Munster Rugby on Tuesday confirmed that SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh will host the Investec Champions Cup Pool 3 opener against Racing 92 on Saturday, October 17 at 8pm, subject to Central Council approval but without disruption to that weekend’s potential county hurling finals.

The earlier start date to the European club rugby season was potentially complicating to Munster’s hopes of returning to the home of Cork GAA, having played their first Champions Cup game at the venue against Gloucester last December in front of 36,208 supporters.

Last week’s draw by competition organisers EPCR handed Clayton McMillan’s an opening-round tie at home against the Parisian Top 14 giants with the second round’s fixture away at Bristol Bears on December 12.

With Munster hopeful Central Council approval will be forthcoming for the October 17 match, Thursday’s announcement also confirmed Pairc Ui Chaoimh would then host the Co-Op Superstores Premier Senior and Premier Intermediate Hurling Finals if scheduled for the following day.