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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Former Munster Rugby head coach Rob Penney is head coach at the Crusaders for the 2024 season
MUNSTER Rugby and the Crusaders are set to create history in 2024 with a world first ‘Clash of Champions’ game on Saturday, February 3 (5pm).
Following Munster’s recent URC success in Cape Town, it will be the first time ever the reigning champions of the URC and Super Rugby face off against each other.
The venue for the game which will be within Munster, and ticket details, will be confirmed in due course. Munster defeated a South Africa XV before a record 41,400 crowd, the biggest ever to witness a rugby match in the province, at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork last November.
The New Zealand franchise secured their seventh successive Super Rugby Pacific championship on Saturday in Waikato defeating Chiefs 25-20 to retain their title.
Following Munster’s recent URC success in Cape Town, it will be the first time ever the reigning champions of the URC and Super Rugby face off against each other.
Former Munster Head Coach Rob Penney has already been confirmed as the new Crusaders Head Coach from 2024 and their pre-season campaign will see them embark on their first ever international tour for fixtures against Munster and Bristol Bears.
Munster Rugby CEO, Ian Flanagan said: "We are delighted to welcome the Super Rugby champions to Munster, hosting a groundbreaking fixture against the Crusaders.
"We hold a proud and rich history of playing touring sides and I’ve no doubt next February’s game will be a special occasion for all involved."
Colin Mansbridge, Crusaders CEO, said "the Crusaders are thrilled to be coming over to Ireland and the UK to face some stiff competition away from home".
"NZ and Australian clubs have been working on the World Club Competition for years, so when an opportunity for Super teams to play Northern Hemisphere counterparts came up, it was just too good to pass up," Mansbridge said.
"Munster have a history of giving touring sides a pretty hard time, so they present particularly tough competition. There’s also the added connection with our new head coach Rob Penney who coached thre," Mansbridge said.
2024 Crusaders Ireland and UK Fixtures
Munster Rugby v Crusaders, Saturday Feb 3 (5pm)
Bristol Bears v Crusaders, Friday Feb 9
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