This week the Heineken Champions Cup organisers are expected to confirm the dates and kick-off times for the quarter-finals on the third weekend of September (18th-20th). Last January was only the fourth time in the last 21 seasons that Munster have failed to navigate their way through the often treacherous pool stages. Between them, Cork Constitution, Garryowen, Young Munster and Shannon won 17 of the first 20 All-Ireland Leagues up until 2010. Of the 20 teams in this season’s Champions Cup, only one other province or club had bigger crowds than Munster (70,525) over their three home games, namely Leinster (75,259). As ever therefore, if nothing else Munster should be an interesting case study.

Source: The Irish Times July 14, 2020 01:07 UTC