Major final venue bonus for Con

AIB League leaders Cork Constitution have been guaranteed a Cork home final at Musgrave Park on May 5 should they advance that far. With Lansdowne Road and Thomond Park both closed, the IRFU had little option but to select Cork’s Musgrave Park as the venue for the grand final.

Another influencing factor was the fact that Munster have a guaranteed representation of three teams in the last four — Clontarf being the exception.

Unless the IRFU had chosen Donnybrook, Clontarf were always likely to have to travel. As it is, they might not have to if they lose and both Shannon and Garryowen win this weekend.