Tough Magners Start For Munster

Munster have been handed a tough start to this season’s Magners League with their first four games against the four Welsh sides.

Their opener is on the weekend of September 21st against Llanelli Scarlets in Musgrave Park followed by a trip to Newport before entertaining Cardiff Blues (Musgrave Park) on the weekend of October 5th. Then they’re off to Wales this time to face the title holders Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium (Weekend 12th October).

At this stage the competition organisers have not confirmed actual dates. As usual however the exact dates and times for kick-offs will not be agreed until after a broadcasters meeting.

After their Welsh odyssey Munster must again travel away to play Glasgow Warriors (Weekend October 26th) and the play their first game against domestic opposition when they host Leinster in Musgrave Park on the weekend of November 30th.

Munster begin their pre-season programme with a trip to Chicago to play the US Eagles (August 26th) and after that take on Saracens (7th Sept) and Italian side Viadana (14th Sept) in Musgrave Park.

By the time Llanelli Scarlets arrive however to kick off Munster’s competitive season, the side who finished fourth in the Magners League last year, will have a decided advantage in that they will have already had two League games under their belts. Their Round Five and Six matches – home to Dragons and away to Ospreys have been brought forward, presumably to accomodate EDF Energy Cup games.

All the fixtures on official Magners League website www.magnersleague.com