Thomond Park to stay just that

News:In a decision that is likely to greatly please diehard Munster fans, the Munster Branch have decided not to further pursue the idea of selling the "naming rights" to Thomond Park.

Having examined the possibility of a naming rights partner as part of their commercial programme for the new Thomond Park, the branch has decided that changing the now iconic name of Thomond Park into that of a commercial entity is not a concept they will pursue.

In a statement issued yesterday, the branch said that it had explored the various options, including a detailed assessment of the requirement of the commercial marketplace, but now believes the retention of the name "Thomond Park" for the ground is the most appropriate route forward. The decision was not taken due to a lack of commercial interest.

"At a conference early on Pat Whelan always said that they were duty bound to investigate the potential of it," said a Munster spokesman yesterday. "It was never a make-or-break issue. The branch felt that it has done the proper commercial thing and while there was interest it has concluded that the appropriate natural fit didn't fall into place and didn't progress with it. It is 'long fingered' at the moment so instead the Munster Branch will look at other outlets."

The branch has decided instead to market the naming rights to the new stands on an individual basis.

• Connacht player Adrian Flavin was yesterday cleared of an alleged incident of stamping during the province's Magners League match against Ospreys.

After considering all available evidence, it was felt by the panel that the incident did not warrant a red card and therefore no sanction was imposed on the player.

The verdict means Flavin is free to continue playing. It was mistakenly reported in this week's The Irish Times' Six Nations Digestthat Flavin was sent off during the match.