NO TICKETS will go on public sale for Munster’s Heineken Cup quarter-final tie against the Northampton Saints at Thomond Park on the weekend of April 9th-11th, writes John O’Sullivan. A spokesperson for the Irish province confirmed “aside from contractual commitments Munster Rugby will distribute all tickets through the Munster rugby clubs, the Munster rugby supporters club and 10-year tickets holders”.
It was further pointed out there will be a reduced number of tickets available for the match under competition rules because of an increased allocation to Northampton, in this case, and the tournament organisers, ERC.
There is however a limited number of hospitality packages for the quarter-final available to purchase. The Saints are entitled to roughly 6,500 tickets, which represents a quarter of the 26,000 capacity at Thomond Park.
There is a similar scenario for Leinster’s quarter-final against ASM Clermont Auvergne on the same weekend, a match likely to be staged at the RDS. Leinster has 11,200 season ticket holders and this along with a commitment to provide the French side with 4,625 (the Dublin venue has a capacity of 18,500) as well as ERC’s allocation virtually guarantees that none will go on public sale.
The preference is for the game to go ahead at the RDS – they will examine the Croke Park option – and to this end Leinster are currently looking at ways of increasing the capacity to cope with what will be a huge demand for tickets. Apparently there is scope and Leinster has sought specialist advice on the matter.
Connacht chief executive Gerry Kelly confirmed their Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-final would take place at the Sportsground. “We managed to get 6,500 in in the past for the Harlequins game and I am sure there will be a similar demand for this match.”
He doesn’t expect Bourgoin to take up their full allocation but there will be no underestimating the French club as they reached the final last season before losing to Northampton.
