Ian Flanagan: 'I think everyone in Ireland who likes their rugby would go back to the old ERC format'

“We didn't sell out either of the two European games, we sold out the Leinster (URC) game but that would be an area of the budget where we would probably be off and we’ll have to make that money up somewhere else during the season.”

OLD FORMAT: Ian Flangan would revert back to the old Heineken Cup format in a heartbeat as Munster struggle to sell out games for Champions Cup. Picture: Diarmuid Greene/Sportsfile

If Ian Flanagan could return to the old Heineken Cup competition set-up, he would do so in a heartbeat after revealing he believes the current format is impacting Thomond Park attendances.

Munster Rugby did as much as any participant to put the European club rugby tournament on the map, its exploits during the late 90s and 2000s engaging supporters in a way that captured the imagination of a much wider audience.