Added Incentive for Munster and Connacht
Whoever wins the Munster v Connacht, Celtic League quarter-final clash at Musgrave Park will have the advantage of playing the semi-final at their own home ground.
Munster, Connacht, Pontypridd and Neath will have huge added incentives to win their Celtic League quarter-finals at the end of the month – they will then have home advantage in the semi-finals in the new year.
The draw, made at the Six Nations Championship offices in Dublin yesterday (11th November) mean the semi-finals on the first weekend in January, 2003, will be played at either Thomond Park, Galway Sportsground, Sardis Road or The Gnoll.
The decision of the Celtic League Association to stage the semi-finals at genuine home grounds, rather than neutral venues in the country of those teams drawn at home, should maximise attendances with “home” supporters not forced to travel ‘away,’ albeit in their own country.
Celtic League 2002/03 – Semi-Finals. (To be played 3 / 4 January, 2003).
Munster or Connacht v Glasgow Rugby or Ulster.
Pontypridd or Neath v Edinburgh Rugby or Cardiff