There’s more money in Pro12 campaign, claims Fitzgerald

Munster Rugby chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald has played down the financial windfall of securing a Heineken Cup home quarter-final,insisting success in theRaboDirect Pro12 is worth more.

Fitzgerald welcomed Tony McGahan’s side’s achievements in marching into the last eight with six wins from six pool matches, a feat which earned the province top seeding and a home quarter-final date with Irish rivals Ulster on April 6, 7, or 8. Yet a week after competition organisers ERC trumpeted thepotential financial jackpots on offer to quarter-finalists, Fitzgerald suggested success in the Pro12 offered far greater revenue benefits.

“From a rugby point of view, it’s very important to move into the knockout stages with home advantage,” the Munster chief executivetold the Irish Examiner.