Munster To Play Biarritz To Celebrate 20-Year European Cup Final Anniversary

Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque and Munster Rugby are pleased to confirm that the two clubs will face off in a pre-season friendly on Friday, August 22nd ahead of the 2025/26 season (KO 8pm local time). 

This match, which will be held at the Stade Aguiléra in Biarritz, will celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the 2006 European Cup final which holds a special place in the hearts and minds of supporters of both clubs. 

On that day in Cardiff, Munster, who were captained by Anthony Foley, saw off Biarritz 23-19 thanks to tries from Trevor Halstead and Peter Stringer and 13 points from the boot of Ronan O’Gara. Also featuring on that day was current Munster Rugby Defence Coach, Denis Leamy. 

A series of events will take place in Biarritz in the week building up to the game to celebrate the fixture while the Basque club will also be having the official opening of their new synthetic pitch at the Stade Aguiléra. 

Former Munster back-row James Coughlan, who made 139 appearances for Munster and played against Biarritz in the 2010 European Cup semi-final is now the Basque club’s Director of Rugby and is looking forward to welcoming some familiar faces to the south-west of France: 

“It is with great delight and honor that I, in my capacity as Directeur Sportif of this great club, BOPB, have the opportunity to relive the incredible moments shared between Munster, my local team, and my daily passion, BOPB.

“Our clubs share a long and rich history in European rugby, spanning nearly 30 years, and to celebrate the 2006 final with a festival of rugby is a wonderful way to reignite those cherished memories. More importantly, it provides us with a unique opportunity to forge new and lasting friendships for the years to come.

“I look forward to what promises to be an unforgettable occasion.”

Head of Rugby Operations and Interim Head Coach Ian Costello said: “Munster and Biarritz have a special history with the clubs facing each other four times in European competition between 2001 and 2010 which resulted in some great memories for both clubs. 

“While recognising 20-years since that first European Cup win in Cardiff, this match provides our squad with a great opportunity to train for a week in France and play against quality opposition to maximise preparation going into the new season.”