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Munster confirm return to 40,000 seater for Crusaders visit
By Ian Cameron
Munster are set to make history once again as they return to Páirc Uí Chaoimh in February 2024 to take on the Super Rugby Champions, Crusaders, in a match dubbed the 'Clash of Champions.'
This fixture will bring together the reigning champions of the United Rugby Championship (URC) and Super Rugby in a highly-anticipated face-off.
Last November, Munster made waves by hosting the first-ever rugby game at the Cork venue, drawing a sell-out crowd for an unforgettable match against South Africa 'A.' Now fans can look forward to another groundbreaking fixture as the Crusaders, recently crowned Super Rugby champions, square off against Munster, the current URC title holders, in a friendly.
This development aligns with the growing interest in restructuring the rugby calendar and the possibility of a 'Club World Cup.' Reports suggest that discussions between the Northern and South Hemisphere leagues have progressed significantly, with a proposed 16-team tournament in the offing.
The format would potentially include eight northern hemisphere clubs, seven southern hemisphere teams, and a Japanese side, divided into four pools. Each club would play two matches against teams from the opposite hemisphere, determining the four semi-finalists.
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Latest Comments
No he's just limited in what he can do. Like Scott Robertson. And Eddie Jones.
Sometimes it doesn't work out so you have to go looking for another national coach who supports his country and believes in what he is doing. Like NZ replacing Ian Foster. And South Africa bringing Erasmus back in to over see Neinbar.
This is the real world. Not the fantasy oh you don't need passion for your country for international rugby. Ask a kiwi, or a south african or a frenchman.
Go to commentsDont complain too much or start jumping to conclusions.
Here in NZ commentators have been blabbing that our bottom pathway competition the NPC (provincial teams only like Taranaki, Wellington etc)is not fit for purpose ie supplying players to Super rugby level then they started blabbing that our Super Rugby comp (combined provincial unions making up, Crusaders, Hurricanes, etc) wasn't good enough without the South African teams and for the style SA and the northern powers play at test level.
Here is what I reckon, Our comps are good enough for how WE want to play rugby not how Ireland, SA, England etc play. Our comps are high tempo, more rucks, mauls, running plays, kicks in play, returns, in a game than most YES alot of repetition but that builds attacking skillsets and mindsets. I don't want to see world teams all play the same they all have their own identity and style as do England (we were scared with all this kind of talk when they came here) World powerhouse for a reason, losses this year have been by the tiniest of margins and could have gone either way in alot of games. Built around forward power and blitz defence they have got a great attack Wingers are chosen for their Xfactor now not can they chase up and unders all day. Stick to your guns its not far off
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