ERC tempts Irish provinces with away day move

HEINEKEN CUP boss Derek McGrath has handed Irish provinces the chance to cash in on their huge followings abroad and play ‘home’ games overseas.

Competition organisers European Rugby Cup (ERC) had been hoping to break new ground this season with Saracens playing their pool game against Biarritz in Cape Town, but yesterday’s cancellation due to a local disagreement over venues in the South African city should not deter Munster or Leinster from pursuing opportunities to capitalise on their strong brands, with a large expatriate community in many countries around the world and millions more with strong ancestral links to Ireland.

The Ireland team’s remarkable support during the recent World Cup in New Zealand has underlined the potential of such a venture for both two-time champions and ERC chief executive McGrath told the Irish Examiner that the provinces were welcome to explore the possibilities for his organisation’s consideration.