Planes, trains and automobiles: A rocky road to Montpellier

Within minutes of Jérôme Garcès’s final whistle on Sunday, Munster fans began furiously scouring the internet searching for low-cost deals to Montpellier for the April 27 Heineken Cup semi-final showdown with Clermont Auvergne.

The few optimists prior to the victory over Harlequins could have booked a return ticket from Shannon to the French city for €80. However by lunchtime yesterday the price of a one-way flight from Shannon (departing Friday morning) had tripled in price while the return flight on Sunday increased three-fold its original price.

Unless more flights are put on by the relevant carriers, fans planning a French invasion in three weeks’ time had better think fast but there are ways and means. Here are some of the options available...