Munster announce clash against All Blacks XV as ‘long and rich’ tradition continues

Munster have announced that they will face off against the All Blacks XV at Thomond Park on Saturday, November 2.

Since the redevelopment of Thomond Park in 2008, Munster have hosted international opposition in the form of the All Blacks, Australia and the Māori All Blacks at the Limerick-based venue.

Munster‘s match against the All Blacks XV will take place on the same day that New Zealand do battle against England at Twickenham, and the senior New Zealand side will then take on Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, November 9.

Tough end-of-year tour

New Zealand will also will also face France, and Italy as part of their end-of-year tour.

Commenting on the announcement, Munster Rugby’s chief executive Ian Flanagan said: “We will be delighted to welcome the All Blacks XV to Thomond Park in November as part of their Northern Hemisphere tour.

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“We have a long and rich history of hosting international sides and I’m sure November’s match will add another exciting chapter to this tradition.”

The clash against the All Blacks XV will not be Munster’s first match against New Zealand opposition in 2024 as the United Rugby Championship winners also hosted the Super Rugby Pacific champions, the Crusaders, at Páirc Uí Chaoimh last month.

Beat Crusaders last month

Munster held on for a narrow 21-19 win in front of a capacity crowd of 40,885 spectators on that occasion.

The Irish province also hosted the South Africa A side at the same venue in November 2022 and clinched a 28-14 victory.

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