Munster to stick with terraced Thomond next season

MUNSTER rugby chiefs will retain Thomond Park as their Heineken Cup home next season - even if the main stand is under reconstruction.

Branch bosses hope to use the three remaining terraces for European games, with chief executive Garret Fitzgerald confirming yesterday that this is the preferred option to Musgrave Park. However, he confirmed that the redevelopment of the Cork venue is a Branch priority, admitting it had been neglected in recent times.

Mr Fitzgerald explained: “If things go to plan in Thomond Park, the pitch itself and most of the terracing won’t be affected. Therefore, it may be possible to phase the redevelopment work at the ground to make it available for Heineken Cup pool matches.