Ulster expected to take over Aviva

Ulster chiefs predict they will have more than 35,000 fans at the Aviva Stadium for their Heineken Cup semi-final against Edinburgh later this month.

Within two hours of tickets going on general sale yesterday, 12,000 were snapped up, mostly by fans of the northern province.

Ulster Branch chiefs have also ring-fenced 20,000 tickets for season ticket holders (they have 3,500 season ticket holders who will be allowed to purchase multiple ticket options). Opponents Edinburgh have asked for just 3,000 tickets for the April 28 clash in Dublin.