Munster and Northampton unhappy with Friday game

THE European Rugby Cup’s decision to fix Munster and Northampton’s crucial Heineken Cup Pool One showdown for Friday night has been slammed by both clubs.

Thomond Park chiefs have claimed communications with the ERC concerning their difficulties of hosting a major tie on a week night have been ‘ignored’ while the visitors are furious at been forced to play within five days of their clash against Perpignan.

Their forwards coach, the former England prop Dorian West stated: “I can’t understand how, for possibly the two biggest games of our season, we’ve been given a five-day turnaround. It devalues the match for me. But challenges are there to be overcome and it’s down to us to manage our players.”