MUNSTER rugby depart this weekend for a week long stay in Italy.
Rob Penney’s men have taken the opportunity to run a week long training camp in Southern Europe having been fixed to play away games against Zebre and Treviso on consecutive weekends.
Munster’s bonus point 34-23 win over Edinburgh last weekend sets the side up for a tough two game salvo. Tries from Denis Hurley, Ivan Dineen, James Cronin and James Coughlan set up the win in what was another impressive performance from Munster, following on from their impressive pre season SEAT series wins over Gloucester and London Irish.
First up are Zebre, who challenged Connacht all the way in their opening weekend game.
Munster will then base themselves near Lake Garda, where a week long stay is being organised as both a training week and a bonding session, with the team expected to spend some time on the water in the picturesque area of Italy.
The traditional trip to France for preseason did not take place this year, so Munster’s hierarchy lobbied for these two away games early in the season. The returning Irish internationals and Lions tourists are all expected to see game time in the coming weeks.
Munster will face Treviso on Friday September 20 at 6.30pm at the Stadio Monigo.
Both games are being televised on the Italian Mediasat channel. One is which is not currently available in Ireland.
Munster’s next home game will see them take on the Newport Gwent Dragons on Saturday September 28 at 6.45pm in Musgrave Park.
The Red Army’s first Thomond Park game of the season will take place on October 5, once more at 6.45pm against arch rivals Leinster.
In local rugby news, the final of the Limerick charity cup will take place this Saturday afternoon September 14 at Greenfields between holders UL Bohemians and Shannon. (Kick off is at 2.30pm)
‘Bohs’ were pushed all the way by Old Crescent at Annacotty before booking their place in the final with a 20-17 victory.
In the other semi final Shannon defeated Young Munster at Coonagh 16-13.
