After deliberations involving supporters, squad and management, Munster have opted to play their home Heineken European Cup quarter-final against Stade Francais at Thomond Park.
Given the huge interest in the game and taking into consideration the greater financial gain, the option of moving to Lansdowne Road was considered, even though the gate proceeds are divided equally by the participants. It was decided Munster's best chance of advancing to a home semi-final at Lansdowne Road would be best served by playing at Thomond Park.
The tournament rules allow the visiting team and the tournament commercial partners increased ticket entitlements for the quarter-final.
Both parties have requested their full entitlement, which amounts to 30 per cent approximately. In addition, 52 per cent of tickets are distributed through the affiliated Munster clubs, Munster Supporters Club and underage structure. As a consequence there will not be any tickets available for public sale for this game.
Following a week's rest, Andy Ward returns to the Ulster line-up this Friday night to take on Munster at Ravenhill in the Celtic League. The starting side shows four changes from the one defeated in Wales last weekend, and there are three changes in personnel on the bench.
Ward returns, although with Neil McMillan and Neil Best holding their own at blind and openside respectively, he slots in at number eight in place of the injured Roger Wilson.
A number of injuries, as well as rotation, again changes the Connacht side to face The Borders at Nertherdale. Captain Tim Allnutt returns to the side at inside centre with Wayne Munn on the left wing and Dave Hewitt and Mike Walls outhalf and scrumhalf respectively.
John Fogarty and Peter Bracken return to the front row while Damian Browne returns to partner Andrew Farley at lock, Michael Swift and Matt Lacey coming into the back row.
CONNACHT: M McHugh; C McPhilips, S Moore, T Allnutt (capt), W Munn; D Hewitt, M Walls; D McFarland, J Fogarty, P Bracken, D Browne, A Farley, M Swift, M Lacey, J O'Sullivan. Replacements: H Bourke, A Clarke, C Short, J Muldoon, C O'Loughlin, E Elwood, J Meagher.
ULSTER: B Cunningham: J Topping, S Stewart, P Steinmetz, S Young; Larkin, K Campbell; R Kempson, P Shields, R Moore, M Mustchin, M McCullough, N Best, N McMillan, A Ward (capt). Replacements: M Sexton, R McCormack, R Frost, W Brosnihan, N Doak, P Wallace, S Mallon
The Celtic Cup could be scrapped as a possible compromise move over contentious proposals for the future of the Celtic League. Representatives of the Scottish, Irish and Welsh unions have had "very preliminary discussions" over the future of the trophy and the Celtic League.
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