Reds’ Amlin ticket prices reduced

MUNSTER rugby have announced that the 2011/12 reduced ticket pricing strategy for the Magners League will also apply for the upcoming Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final with Harlequins at Thomond Park.

Tickets for the April 30th clash will be priced as €40 (Cat A), €30 (Cat B) and €20 (terrace), representing over a 20% reduction from previous Heineken Cup prices.

Munster can also confirm the same reduced prices will apply if Munster go on to host Magners League knock out stages.

On outlining the ticket pricing, Sales & Marketing Manager Glyn Billinghurst said “In February we decided on the new pricing structure for next season and believe it is more appropriate to introduce the reduced prices now rather than hold with current season prices. We recognise the marvellous support that we receive and hopefully it will encourage people to fill Thomond Park on Saturday 30th April for the Amlin semi-final.”

Tickets are currently being sold through the clubs and the Munster Rugby Supporters Club.

Any tickets remaining after these allocations have been processed may be released on general sale towards the end of next week. Full details will be posted on www.munsterrugby.ie

Meanwhile, Alan Quinlan will most likely pick today to announce his retirement for the end of the season, following his inclusion in the Magners League squad for Saturday’s important clash against Llanelli.

Since his recovery from a serious elbow injury a number of weeks ago, Quinlan has only played a supporting role but he is likely to see game time at Parc Y Scarlets this weekend. He will also most likely be given an opportunity to bid a fond farewell in Munster’s final home Magners League game of the season against Connacht.

Whether he breaks into the squad for the Amlin Cup semi-final against Harlequins or if he is to be included in the starting line up for the Scarlets clash remains to be seen, but Munster coach Tony McGahan is hardly likely to let one of the great players of Munster rugby slip away quietly; not that Quinlan ever came into the quiet category.

A sometimes controversial figure, Quinlan was nonetheless brilliant at what he did and earned respect worldwide for his abrasive style of play and for his ability to intimidate the opposition by simply being there.

As a back row forward he pilfered possession from a succession of top opposition players throughout the years, at club, provincial and international level.

His international career (27 caps for Ireland) was finally blown when he was suspended prior to the 2009 Lions tour to South Africa for allegedly making eye contact Leo Cullen, the Leinster captain, in Munster’s ill-fated Heineken Cup semi final.

Nevertheless, the 36-year-old hopes to play a part in the business end of another season for Munster as his side goes in search of a Magners League title and a consolation European prize of the Amlin Challenge Cup.