Munster scoop top award for memorable All Blacks clash

MUNSTER RUGBY will be honoured with an acclaimed international sports event management award in London next month in recognition of their hosting of the province’s game with New Zealand in November last year.

The 30th anniversary of the Munster’s 1978 victory over the All Blacks attracted a full house to Thomond Park and was watched by over one million people on RTÉ.

Celebrating best practice and achievement, the Sports Business Sports Event Management Awards recognise excellence in the global sports event management industry.

Munster Rugby has been short-listed in the event marketing category, where a gold, silver and bronze award winner will be announced. Organisers of the Aviva London Athletics Grand Prix and the International Cricket Council’s World Twenty20 are also in contention for the top prize.

Munster Rugby chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald said: “This award is a huge acknowledgement of the efforts and hard work of everyone involved. It is a testimony of how Munster Rugby strives for excellence off the field as well as on it. It was a wonderful occasion with thanks due to all our sponsors including Toyota, adidas and match sponsor Zurich for their support. It was a real honour for us to host the All Blacks, who are such an iconic brand in world rugby, at Thomond Park.”

New Zealand Rugby Union commercial manager Paul Dalton heaped praise on their hosts. He said: “The 30th anniversary of a very important piece of rugby history with many of those original players present, the new stadium opening, the huge buildup over the week, the then Heineken Cup champions against the number one ranked team in the world, the intense pressure on both teams and the amazing crowd meant this game was a once in a lifetime experience. Munster made this event happen and world rugby is very much the richer for it.”