New membership scheme for Munster supporters

MUNSTER rugby supporters will be able to access Celtic League tickets and get priority for Heineken Cup play-off tickets, under a new scheme unveiled yesterday.

The Munster Supporters Club Committee announced it had come to an agreement with the Munster Branch on an initiative to introduce 'associate membership' for the coming season.

The club says the move satisfies requests from Munster supporters who failed to gain entry to the Munster Rugby Supporters Club, whose membership is full for the coming season.

The cost of associate membership is €25 for the season and members will have many of the same benefits as supporter's club members, with the exception of a Heineken Cup ticket guarantee.

However, the club says that associate members will have priority over public ticket sales for the play-off stages of the Heineken Cup.

The list of full benefits and the facility to purchase associate membership are available online at the following address: http://www.munsterrugby.ie/newspage/50969.html

The Munster Supporters Club are confident the associated membership scheme will be successful, as members will automatically be on the waiting list for the Munster Supporters Club.

"We anticipate that this will increase the overall grouping of Munster fans, under the umbrella of the Munster Supporters Club," a spokesman said.

The Celtic League ticket pricing structure for associate members will allow them buy Cork-only terrace season tickets - valid for six games at €15 per match - for only €70, a saving of €20.

A Limerick-only terrace season ticket - valid for four games at €15 per match - is only €50, a saving of €10.

A combined terrace ticket which is valid for ten games at €15 per match will cost €120, a saving of €30.

A combined stand ticket - valid for 10 games at €25 per match - costs only €200, a saving of €50.

In addition, each Associate Member is allowed to take two children under 16 year free to the matches with their season ticket, a saving of up to €100.

Associate members who purchase any form of season ticket, will also be allowed free entry into both home friendlies to be played in Thomond Park - against London Irish on August 17 and Newcastle Falcons on August 23. This is subject to on-time application.