Munster hoping to avoid Good Friday showdown

MUNSTER Rugby chiefs have informed Heineken Cup organisers ERC they would be seeking a Saturday or Sunday date for their Easter weekend quarter-final clash against Ulster.

Munster earned the right to a home quarter-final after finishing as top seeds following their 100% return from the pool stages, completed in thrilling fashion last Saturday with a 51-36 win at Northampton Saints.

The quarters are scheduled for the weekend of April 6, 7 and 8, the first date falling on Good Friday. Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald told The Irish Examiner, however, the province would prefer to play the all-Irish encounter at Thomond Park on either of the other dates available.