Munster to host Crusaders in inaugural 'Clash of Champions'

Munster have announced that they will host Super Rugby champions Crusaders in the first-ever 'Clash of Champions' in 2024.

The Canterbury based NZ franchise claimed their seventh successive Super Rugby title at the weekend, defeating the Chiefs in Waikato to take the crown.

This morning, it was confirmed that they would face off against URC winners Munster on 3 February next year.

Matches between club sides from the northern and southern hemisphere are rare, though an idea for Rugby Club World Cup was floated last year, with the URC and the Gallagher Premiership indicating support for the proposal.

For the February 2024 fixture, Crusaders incoming head coach Rob Penney will be returning to his former stomping ground, the New Zealander having coached Munster between 2012 and 2014. Penney has been confirmed as the replacement for the wildly successful Scott Robertson, who takes over as All Blacks coach after the upcoming World Cup.

Munster Rugby CEO, Ian Flanagan said: "We are delighted to welcome the Super Rugby champions to Munster, hosting a groundbreaking fixture against the Crusaders.

"We hold a proud and rich history of playing touring sides and I've no doubt next February’s game will be a special occasion for all involved."

Colin Mansbridge, Crusaders CEO, said "the Crusaders are thrilled to be coming over to Ireland and the UK to face some stiff competition away from home".

"NZ and Australian clubs have been working on the World Club Competition for years, so when an opportunity for Super teams to play Northern Hemisphere counterparts came up, it was just too good to pass up," Mansbridge said.

"Munster have a history of giving touring sides a pretty hard time, so they present particularly tough competition. There’s also the