Biarritz given more time to work on venue move

European CupBiarritz have been given more time to work on their proposal to move their Heineken European Cup quarter-final against Munster to Spanish soccer club Real Sociedad's ground, competition organisers said yesterday.

"Naturally we would be delighted if the game could be played at Estadio Anoeta in San Sebastian, which would increase the capacity for the game to around 32,000," competition chief Derek McGrath said in a statement.

"This would help cater for the huge interest in the quarter-final from travelling Munster fans and local supporters.

"In the interests of the clubs and both sets of supporters, we have granted the club's request for additional time to confirm the support of all the parties involved and to address the remaining issues that a move across the border would raise."

Biarritz's Parc des Sports Aquilera has a capacity of just 12,667. The two towns are about 50 kms apart in the Basque region that straddles France and Spain. The match will be on April 3rd.

Ticket sales for Leinster's home quarter-final with the Leicester Tigers in Lansdowne Road on April 2nd have hit the 40,000 mark, Leinster Rugby announced.

Leinster look set to beat the previous quarter-final attendance record of 46,000 which was achieved two seasons ago against Biarritz Olympique with a 48,500 full-house likely.

Stand tickets have sold out while there are limited terrace and schoolboy/girl tickets (bought through schools only) still available.

Touchline tickets will be available early next week.

Tickets are available from the following outlets: Spar: Vernon Avenue, Bath Avenue, Donnybrook; Elverys: Dawson Street, Suffolk Street, Blanchardstown, Fonthill, Tullamore, Navan, Mullingar, Kilkenny, Longford, Dundalk, Carlow; Centra: Cornelscourt; Active Sports: Blackrock; Leinster Rugby Store: Donnybrook.

Prices: €25 - Touch/Goal line, €20 - East Terrace, €15 - North/South Terrace, €5 - Schoolboy/girl (terrace, available through schools only)