Leinster confirm Croke Park return for Munster clash

Rugby will return to Croke Park in October, after Leinster confirmed they will host Munster at the home of the GAA.

The BKT United Rugby Championship Round 4 tie will see the pair clash at Croke Park at 5.45pm on Saturday, 12 October (live on RTÉ2).

With the RDS currently being redeveloped, Leinster will use the Aviva Stadium as their home in the 2024/25 season, but are hoping for a money-spinning gate at the 82,300 GAA HQ.

The move comes off the back of a successful hosting of Leinster's Investec Champions Cup semi-final with the Northampton Saints in May, which sold out within 36 hours, while they previously hosted Munster at Croker in their 2009 Champions Cup semi, which also sold out.

While Leinster’s rivalry with Munster had become one-sided for several years, Munster’s win over their neighbours in the 2023 URC semis has reignited the fire in the derby.

Last November, a crowd of 49,246 people crammed into the Aviva Stadium for their first meeting since Munster’s URC title, while Thomond Park has regularly been close to capacity for their usual Christmas interpro.

It could be one of multiple Leinster games at Croke Park next season, with the province yet to confirm the venue for either of their Champions Cup pool games against Clermont Auvergne or Bath.

Attendance figures at the Aviva and Croke Park will come under scrutiny this season following the high-profile signings of RG Snyman, Rabah Slimani and Jordie Barrett, the latter of whom will arrive in December.

Leo Cullen’s side have now gone three years without a trophy, after their defeat to Toulouse in the Champions Cup final, and URC semi-final exit at the hands of the Bulls.

Meanwhile, Munster have added Bryan Fitzgerald to their squad on a three-month deal.

The Limerick