Magners League Launched in Swansea

Celtic Rugby launched the new Magners League season earlier today at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea. After upcoming games against Saracens and Viadana, Munster’s first Magners League fixture of the season is set for Saturday September 22nd at Musgrave Park when the Llanelli Scarlets pay a visit.

Celtic Rugby and their tournament Sponsors, Magners Irish Cider are looking forward to continuing success as they enter the second season of the Irish cider makers sponsorship of the Magners League.

Speaking at the launch of the 2007-8 Magners League at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea, the home of the current champions Ospreys, Celtic Rugby Director David Jordan said:

“In the coming season we will be looking to build on the success of what we have experienced over the last 12 months. Attendances at Magners League games have increased by 15.7% overall, the average gate for a game is now over 6,000 with several of our fixtures selling out, including the record 48,000 that packed into Lansdowne Road on New Year’s Eve to watch Leinster take on Ulster in the last game at the famous stadium.

“And it is not just through the turnstiles that we are seeing increased interest, our broadcast partners BBC Wales & S4C have also recorded a rise of 16.3% in their overall viewing figures compared to last season, whilst our other TV partner, Setanta Sports, have increased their subscriber base significantly, further widening the reach of the Magners League to viewers throughout the UK and Ireland’.

Orlaith Fortune, Marketing Manager, Wm Magner added: “We are delighted to be launching the second season of the Magners League. Following the successful inaugural season, the 2007/08 fixtures have lined up what promises to be another season of sell-out, exciting and competitive matches which will continue to showcase the fantastic brand of rugby played in the Magners League – something we very much look forward to.

“We will continue to support the growth and increased profile of the competition, and have exciting plans, including continuing our broadcast sponsorships with S4C and Setanta and launching a new advertising campaign in line with the start of the season. Key to our plans are the ten teams and their fans, who are integral to the continued success of the Magners League.”

Munster’s Magner’s League campaign kicks off on Saturday September 22nd with a home tie in Musgrave Park against the Llanelli Scarlets. 

Click here for Munster’s full fixture list

Celtic Rugby
Celtic Rugby’s League competition was formed in 2001/02 and consists of teams from Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The League was played on a home and away basis in season 2003/04 for the first time.

Current Champions – 2006/07 Ospreys

Previous Champions
– 2005/06 Ulster
– 2004/05 Neath Swansea Ospreys
– 2003/04 Llanelli Scarlets
– 2002/03 Munster
– 2001/02 Leinster

During the 2006/07 season over 660,000 fans came through the turnstiles at the 110 Magners League games, whilst thousands more tuned in to one of the 73 live televised matches, or followed the progress of their favourite teams through local radio broadcasts or over the internet.

Magners Irish Cider
Magners was launched in Scotland in 2002, and nationally in the UK in March 2006.
Magners is the leading cider in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
A total of 17 varieties of apple are grown in the Magners Orchards in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, and all are used to make Magners Irish Cider.