New training base delayed until 2016

Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald has confirmed there has been a delay to development of the province’s training base at the University of Limerick.

“We revisited the actual floor space of the facility, reviewed it having looked at other training facilities and we decided we needed to redesign it a little, so that delayed the approach to it,” he said.

“It is due to be submitted for planning this month with a view to it being ready in January 2016 or around the middle of the 2015-2016 season. In the time plan it has gone back about six months.”

The Corkman has also accepted that all avenues must be explored in relation to naming rights for Thomond Park down the line.

“We will revisit the naming rights issue for Thomond Park at some stage. We are open to that, but we are just looking at it.

“I think there is a greater understanding in the Irish market about naming rights and the whole business model around sport, about the challenges people face. I think that’s something we’ll look at and cross that bridge when there is something definite to discuss.”

Fitzgerald also confirmed James Downey is departing Munster, having secured a contract in France.