USA to host Munster

USA Rugby officially announced today its plans to host a Setanta Challenge Rugby World Cup send-off match featuring the US Men's Rugby World Cup Team against the former European Champions, Munster, at Toyota Park Stadium in Chicago, on Sunday, August 26.

This Setanta Challenge match will follow USA Rugby's final Rugby World Cup training assembly in Muscatine, Iowa and serves as the official send-off for the US Men's national team as it leaves for the Rugby World Cup in France on September 1.

US men's national team coach Peter Thorburn said: "We are very excited about this opportunity to play in front of our U.S. fans one last time before we leave for France."

"Playing Munster should give us a great opponent to gauge how far we've come and allows the US to show off their skill in front of fans that may not have seen them play before. How much they are going to get out of it."

Munster coach Declan Kidney wlecomed the news: "Munster is looking forward to this match as it provides the ideal preparation for us leading into the new season.

It also provides us with the opportunity to expose our squad to quality opposition. It is always an honour to play against an international side," he said.