ERC give Biarritz more time to decide

BIARRITZ OLYMPIQUE have been given more time by the ERC to finalise arrangements for the club’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Munster on April 3.

The French outfit want to move the match to San Sebastian and the ERC, in a statement last night, said in the interests of clubs and their supporters, it has allowed the club additional time to address a number of issues and to submit written confirmation to confirm the venue can be used.

Due to the level of interest in the Heineken Cup quarter-final match, Biarritz Olympique want to move the game to Real Sociedad’s Estadio Anoeta in San Sebastian, Spain. Significant progress has already been made.

ERC chief executive Derek McGrath said: “Naturally we would be delighted if the game could be played at Estadio Anoeta in San Sebastian, which would increase the capacity for the game to around 32,000. This would help cater for the huge interest in the quarter-final from travelling Munster fans and local supporters.

“Therefore in the interests of the clubs and both sets of supporters, we have granted the club’s request for additional time to confirm the support of all the parties involved and to address the remaining issues that a move across the border would raise.”

Biarritz Olympique have indicated if they are unable to confirm the availability of San Sebastian, they will play the quarter-final in their home venue of Parc des Sports Aguilera, Biarritz.

Elsewhere, ticket sales have hit 40,000 for Leinster’s home Heineken Cup quarter final with the Leicester Tigers in Lansdowne Road on April 2. Leinster look set to beat the previous Heineken Cup Quarter Final attendance record of 46,000 of two seasons ago against Biarritz Olympique with a 48,500 full house likely.

Stand tickets have sold out while there are limited terrace and schoolboy/girl tickets (bought through schools only) still available. Touchline tickets will be available early next week.

Tickets available from: Spar: Vernon Avenue, Bath Avenue, Donnybrook. Elvery’s: Dawson Street, Suffolk Street, Blanchardstown, Fonthill, Tullamore, Navan, Mullingar, Kilkenny, Longford, Dundalk, Carlow Centra: Cornelscourt Active Sports: Blackrock Leinster Rugby Store: Donnybrook

Newcastle’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Stade Francais will be played at the 44,000 capacity Parc des Princes in Paris.