Musgrave Park the only Irish option for Munster

MUSGRAVE PARK in Cork is the only Irish venue being considered by Munster rugby bosses for a potential ‘home’ quarter-final in the Heineken Cup.

The announcement came just hours after GAA president Nickey Brennan ruled out the possibility of either the European champions or Leinster availing of Croke Park or any other GAA stadium.

An official statement from Munster Rugby confirmed that the Cork venue is the only Irish ground in the frame, adding: “Preliminary discussions have been held with the stadium directors of venues in Britain but a final decision must await the outcome of Munster’s final Pool Four game with Leicester Tigers. Munster Rugby fully understands the GAA’s policy for the non-availability of their stadia.”

Last year’s historic vote at the GAA Congress clearly stipulated that the IRFU and FAI would be allowed to rent out Croke Park purely for international matches and association president Nickey Brennan reiterated that fact forcefully yesterday.

Asked if there were any circumstances under which an accommodation could be made for the provinces, the GAA president replied: “I expected the IRFU to make a statement and the answer to your question is that there are no circumstances.”

Munster and Leinster are both on course to secure ‘home’ advantage for the last eight, but the redevelopment of Thomond Park, Lansdowne Road and the RDS means they must consider alternative venues should they secure victories this weekend.

That Croke Park was even being discussed as a possible venue for either province was a source of some bemusement for Munster PRO Pat Geraghty.

“There was never any focus on Croke Park or any other GAA grounds. We have been looking outside the country for possible venues. We will be making our decision based on practicalities, on what is available and what is not available. There would be no point in going for a stadium if the nearest available hotel was a two-hour drive away from it.

“It is difficult from our point of view because we may not even need to choose a stadium. Our focus is entirely on this weekend’s game.”

Leinster CEO Mick Dawson has given a strong indication that, should Michael Cheika’s side claim the summit in Pool Two, Ravenhill will be their preferred option for a quarter-final clash. Other venues believed to be interesting Leinster officials are the Madejski Stadium in Reading, Leicester City’s Walker Stadium, Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park and even Murrayfield. Dawson’s first priority is a stadium that suits the players but his second is one that allows as much ease of access as possible for the Leinster fans.

“If teams who have earned a home venue for the quarter-finals wish to move from their home venue they must inform the ERC by February 12,” said the ERC’s John Corcoran.