Munster statement: Venue for November game versus the Springboks

Munster have confirmed where they will host the Springboks, announcing that the 45,000-capacity Páirc Uí Chaoimh GAA ground in Cork will stage the match on Thursday, November 10. The Irish province was much criticised last May when the club’s main venue, Thomond Park in Limerick, was unavailable for their Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final match against Toulouse.

An Ed Sheeran concert at the ground meant that the cup tie had to be played at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, but there will be no cribbing that this latest massive home match for Munster won’t take place at Thomond Park as it is a coup for the club to have gotten permission to use the larger capacity GAA ground.

Not since the Aviva Stadium was opened in 2010 after the redevelopment of the old Lansdowne Road have GAA stadiums allowed the rival sport of rugby to use its venues. However, that is now set to change with the announcement that the Springboks – who will appear under the name of a South Africa Select XV – will play at Pairc Uí Chaoimh. Ticket details will be confirmed by the end of the coming week.

Club CEO Ian Flanagan said: “This is a huge honour and significant milestone for Munster Rugby, one we are very proud to be associated with. Our thanks to the IRFU, GAA and Cork GAA for all their input, time and consideration given to reviewing this proposal and for permitting us to host our touring game against South Africa Select XV at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Thursday, November 10, on what will be an incredible and historic occasion.

“This is not only for our supporters and the rugby community, but also further reaching, and we understand the magnitude of being the first professional rugby team to play at the home of Cork GAA.

“While we recognise we have a fantastic facility in Thomond Park, one we are very proud of, bringing the game to a wider audience within the province has been one of our strategic objectives for many years and it is a credit to our staff for their commitment to reaching this goal.”

The Springboks will play four Tests on their upcoming European tour, against Ireland (in Dublin on November 5), France (in Marseille on November 12), Italy (in Genoa on November 19), and England (in London on November 26), while the SA Select XV will line up Munster on November 10 a week before they face Bristol Bears (November 17) at Ashton Gate.