Aviva start time delights Leinster chiefs

LEINSTER rugby chiefs have welcomed confirmation their Heineken Cup quarter-final with Leicester Tigers at the Aviva Stadium is fixed for a 6pm start on Saturday, April 9.

European Rugby bosses yesterday released the times, dates and venues for the last eight clashes, with Ulster handed a 2pm kick-off for their game against Northampton Saints at the Stadium:mk, Milton Keynes, 2pm.

Leinster spokesman Peter Breen admitted the later start on a Saturday is hugely beneficial for fans of Brian O’Driscoll and company.

He explained: “It is good news for everyone. It is a huge benefit to families in particular, schools and those coming long distances.

“A Friday night game would, I think, have impacted on the attendance while Sunday matches often don’t suit some fans as they may have work the next day.

“Saturday at 6pm is all we could have wished for and I’d say Leicester will think the same. We’re delighted to have secured a home draw and it has worked out so well for us.”

He added: “At the start of next week we will hopefully be issuing ticket details for the game.

“We are mindful of the economic climate at present and that will be taken into account. But this is an great opportunity for the team to hopefully play in front of a big crowd at the Aviva Stadium.

Details of the Amlin Challenge Cup fixtures are expect from tournament organisers in the near future.

Heineken Cup quarter-finals

Saturday, April 9:Perpignan v Toulon, Olympic Stadium, Barcelona, 3.30pm; Leinster v Leicester Tigers, Aviva Stadium, 6pm, (Sky Sports).

Sunday, April 10:Northampton Saints v Ulster, Stadium:mk, Milton Keynes, 2pm, (Sky Sports); Biarritz v Toulouse, Estadio Anoeta, San Sebastian, 4.30pm.

Semi-finals: April 30-May 1: Leinster or Leicester Tigers v Biarritz Olympique or Toulouse; Northampton Saints or Ulster Rugby v Perpignan or Toulon

Final: May 21: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, 5pm.