North Munster Senior Clubs XV to face Munster 'A' in Charity fixture in Limerick

THE past few weeks of the Energia All-Ireland League rugby season has seen champions crowned, teams promoted and relegated, and for most players and managements, the well-earned rest is well underway.

For some though, there is a welcome short extension to the season with a once-off charity game this Friday.

The fixture will see a side drawn from senior clubs in North Munster take on a Munster Rugby 'A' side at Takumi Park, Old Crescent's RFCs grounds in Rosbrien at 7.30pm.

The North Munster Selection sees representation across all seven senior clubs competing at every level of the Energia All-Ireland League included in the 25-man squad.

Young Munster’s Ger Slattery leads the coaching group and is supported by forwards coach, James Hickey, of Nenagh Ormond, and backs coach, Shane Mullally, of Old Crescent.

The North Munster Senior Clubs selection squad selection will gather this week for a number of training sessions culminating in the game on Friday evening.

The Munster A side will see a mix of Senior, Academy, NTS and PTS players involved. The Munster A side will be coached by Elite Player Development Officers Tommy O’Donnell and Aiden McNulty and Provincial Talent Coach Seán Cronin.

It is hoped that a similar fixture will take place at the start of next season which will involve players from senior clubs in the south of the province.

Head of Rugby Operations Ian Costello said: “It’s a great opportunity to build on the connection and relationships between Munster and the AIL clubs. In preseason we trained with senior teams in both the north and south of the province which was a massive success.

“This Friday night we get a chance to bring that to another level with a game against an AIL Selection from clubs from the north of the province with the added bonus of supporting several worthy charities.

“We would love to see a second fixture against an AIL selection of players from the south of the province early next season.”

Proceeds of the gate are to be distributed amongst the very worthy charities, Milford Care Centre; Parkinson’s Association; Limerick Marine Search and Rescue; Daughters of Charity, Lisnagry; Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Redemptorist Christmas Poor Campaign.

Admission for Friday's game is €10, with children free or please give as generously as possible.