Perpignan play the Catalan card for Le Crunch

PERPIGNAN are bidding to create a Munster-type empathy with their fans by tapping into the renowned Catalan passion for sport.

The Heineken Cup quarter-finalists yesterday set up a photo opportunity with a number of Barcelona's Primera Liga superstars at the Nou Camp in a bid to generate cross border support for their European quarter final at Lansdowne Road on April 1.

Perpignan will be flying the Catalan flag in Dublin and hoping the European success of Frank Rijkaard's side will rub off on them. As part of a new link-up between the Catalan neighbours, both clubs have pledged a public show of support for the twin-track assault on the Heineken Cup and Champions League.