Munster have announced plans to establish a central training base at the University of Limerick campus, thus marking an end to the provinces days of splitting training between Cork and Limerick.

A statement from Munster Rugby said: “The decision, taken after a lengthy consultative process involving players, management, Munster officials and an independent outside consultant was ratified at Munster Branch Executive level earlier this week.

"The new state-of-the-art, dedicated facility, located on the UL campus will be purpose-built and is anticipated to be fully operational by 2015.”

The move will not, however, cut ties from Munster rugby’s activities and Cork entirely. The team will continue to play several games a year in Cork, at Musgrave Park. The team’s administration headquarters will be based at Musgrave Park, for which upgrade plans are in progress.
LIT and CIT both put forward proposals but ultimately it is UL which won out.

Munster Rugby Chief Executive Garrett Fitzgerald said: “We are very pleased that the process to identify this facility has been completed and confirmed.

"In looking forward to this new and enhanced association with UL, we acknowledge the interest we’ve had from LIT and CIT, the two other institutions who sought to accommodate Munster Rugby’s need for this facility. We look forward to continuing a working relationship with LIT and CIT in the coming years through projects on-going and new."

Image: Munster Rugby Training, University of Limerick

©INPHO/Donall Farmer