Croker eyed for Munster-Leinster clash
European Rugby Cup Ltd (ERC) has, it is reported, already held a meeting with Croke Park stadium officials in Dublin this week to discuss the possibility of playing the match there, in the event of both teams making it through from the quarter-finals.
An ERC spokesperson admitted yesterday that the possibility of an all-Irish semi-final had been discussed and said: “We select a venue in conjunction with the Irish Rugby Union and we are clearly exploring every option available on the basis of what might happen in the quarter-finals and on to the semis.”
ERC will insist on the home side providing a stadium capable of holding at least 20,000 supporters and will not allow the game to be played on home ground, ruling out Thomond Park.
Lansdowne Road is in the midst of a redevelopment, while the RDS in Dublin would automatically be ruled out on the basis that it is Leinster’s home ground.
ERC are said to have received a “friendly” response from GAA officials, although no guarantees could or would be made at this early stage.
Meanwhile, it is rumoured that former Irish international coach Eddie O’Sullivan is to succeed Scott Johnson as US Eagles coach, and might even find himself in direct opposition to his successor, Declan Kidney, when Ireland play the Eagles in May. Johnson is due to take up a contract as coaching director with the Ospreys, in June.
Elsewhere, on a day when the weather caused several postponements, Cork Constitution overcame the sticky conditions at Temple Hill to record a facile 42-7 AIB League win over lowly Buccaneers.
Con ran in eight tries against a side that has often provided them with vigorous opposition in the past.
The bonus-point win puts them top of the table on points difference from Blackrock College, whose match with Ballymena was postponed.
The Limerick derby between Garryowen and UL Bohemian at Dooradoyle was, not surprisingly, very closely contested, with the Light Blues eventually emerging 20-18 winners.
They raced into a 20-point lead thanks to tries from Willie Staunton and Conor Hartigan and the boot of Conor Kilroy.
But Bohs responded magnificently. Mike Storey got in for a try and Aidan McNulty added eight points from the boot.
McNulty had the chance to level the game in the dying moments only to narrowly fail to convert a sensational try from Mark Doyle.
Bohs’ losing bonus point keeps them within the top eight, a group that will ultimately form the premier division next season.
After the first few matches of the campaign, it was looking grim for Munster clubs, but the balance of power has switched back, with all but Young Munster now in the top eight.
Blackrock remain in second, but Munster’s finest hold sway at the top.
Shannon eased into third when they secured a deserved 22-10 win over Dungannon at Coonagh, while Dolphin remain in the top four, even though their game against Terenure was postponed.
In Division Two, Lansdowne kept a grip of the top spot with a victory over Greystones, but UCC and Ballynahinch both kept up the heat with impressive victories over Bective Rangers and Malone respectively.
The gulf between top and bottom in Division Three was illustrated as Old Wesley ran in 13 tries to account for Waterpark on a 92-7 scoreline.
Queens University still hold second place from Midleton even though their game with Sunday’s Well was postponed. Midleton did have the satisfaction of avoiding an extra game later in the season by recording a 20-3 win over Banbridge at Rifle Park.
Meanwhile, just four of last year’s Ireland U-20 side return to the setup for this year’s U-20 Six Nations opener against France at Dubarry Park on Friday (7.30pm).
Backs Ian Madigan, David Kearney and Eamonn Sheridan have been included in a 24-strong squad by coach Allen Clarke, as has former Irish Examiner Junior Sports Star and second-row James Sandford.
Munster’s next great hope at out-half, Garryowen’s Andrew Burke, also makes the cut, and he may be paired with Young Munster scum-half Conor Murray. Clarke will trim the squad to 22 on Wednesday.
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