Munster to start Magners defence against Glasgow – Canterbury and Kooga feel the recession pinch
WITH the majority of the provincial squads returning to pre season training at the start of the month, a number of the Lions players will be relaxing for the next few days before they return to their domestic club duties and all this in spite of the major business developments occurring off the field.
The rugby world certainly woke up to a surprise mid week with the news that even the sports manufacturers were not recession proof.
The European arm of the global Canterbury brand suffered the most cruellest of blows this week as it was put into receivership ahead of some major jersey launches. It was long known that Canterbury Europe was struggling but their global brand seems to be keeping the wolf from the door.
Reports are abound that they are looking for a buyer nonetheless with sports teams in Australia and New Zealand having been told the latest move will not affect Canterbury’s local operations, but the company’s London-based administrators say the entire group, including divisions in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, the Middle East and the United States, is up for sale.
Canterbury is known for its rugby jerseys, but in its height during the 1960s it produced a wide range of clothing made in New Zealand, from suits to underwear.
It supplied the All Blacks’ jerseys for 75 years, but lost that contract to Adidas in 1999.
Cancelling a press conference that were set show the world their new wears, the Scottish Rugby Union together with Cardiff, Leinster Rugby London Wasps and English Premiership side, Portsmouth FC will be looking for a new kit sponsor in the coming days.
However Leinster rugby said they will adopt a “wait and see” attitude in case a buyer comes in to rescue the 105-year-old ailing sports manufacturer.
Meanwhile, Munster Rugby having moved from Canterbury three seasons ago, will travel to Scotland and play Glasgow Warriors in the opening game of the 09/10 Magners League season.
A trip to the Firhill arena will face Tony McGahan’s men when they aim to retain their Magners League title this season.
The first weekend in September also sees the newly crowned Heineken Cup champions, Leinster, on the road to face Scarlets in Wales.
The following week Munster will be at home to Cardiff Blues with the venue to be confirmed.
The first weekend in October sees the first of the derby clashes where Munster will travel to the RDS and face off against Leinster in a what is sure to be a pitched battle.
The Hallowe’en weekend will see Munster host Ulster at an as of yet undecided home venue for the league champions.
2010 and the first weekend in April will see the Heineken Cup champions most likely travel to Limerick to do battle against Munster and all this the week before a possible quarter final Heineken cup game for either side.
The Magners league semi-final and final are scheduled for the weekends of May 14/15/16 and May 28/29 respectively.
