GAA green light Munster-South Africa at Páirc Úi Chaoimh

The GAA's Central Council have given the go-ahead for Munster to take on a South Africa select XV at Páirc Úi Chaoimh on 10 November.

It will be the first time that Munster will take on a touring Springboks outfit in the professional era and the decision by the GAA's top brass means the game can take place at the Cork venue which has a capacity of 45,000.

An application from the Cork County Board to host the fixture was passed unanimously at an Ard Chomhairle meeting on Saturday.

Munster Rugby chief executive Ian Flanagan said, "This is a huge honour and significant milestone for Munster Rugby, one we are very proud to be associated with.

"Our thanks to the IRFU, GAA and Cork GAA for all their input, time and consideration given to reviewing this proposal and for permitting us to host our touring game against the South Africa Select XV at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Thursday, 10 November, on what will be an incredible and historic occasion.

"This is not only for our supporters and the rugby community, but also further reaching, and we understand the magnitude of being the first professional rugby team to play at the home of Cork GAA.

"While we recognise we have a fantastic facility in Thomond Park, one we are very proud of, bringing the game to a wider audience within the province has been one of our strategic objectives for many years and it is a credit to our staff for their commitment to reaching this goal."

Munster have never beaten South Africa, with the most recent of their three meetings coming in 1970 at Thomond Park.

Just as Ireland did on their tour of New Zealand, South Africa have arranged two midweek games on their northern hemisphere tour, in addition to four Test matches against Ireland, France, Italy and England.

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