Munster and Leinster fans in Croke Park in 2009
Leinster look set to sell out Croke Park ahead of tomorrow’s URC interpro derby clash with Munster, earning more than €1.7m for the province in the process.
That figure is understood to be worth €500,000 more than a full house at the Aviva Stadium, making it the biggest pay day in their history.
Leinster have played twice at the home of the GAA in Champions Cup semi-finals, but those games were staged by the organisers – ERC in 2009 and EPCR this year – with funds being reinvested back into participating clubs.
In contrast, this sell-out will all benefit Leinster and will be reinvested to help fund domestic and professional rugby in the province.
After being handed the No 10 jersey against Benetton last week, Ciarán Frawley is expected to retain the out-half spot for Leo Cullen’s side in the derby in what will be a Leinster side packed with Ireland internationals.
One area where Leinster are understrength is at hooker where Lee Barron is expected to start with Gus McCarthy on the bench.
Munster have plenty of injury headaches of their own, but Graham Rowntree is expected to have Mike Haley, Alex Nankivell and Thomas Ahern available.
