Munster Named Magners League’s Best Supported Team
For the second consecutive season the winners of the Magners League title have been confirmed as the ‘best supported team’ of the tournament with the announcement today that Munster Rugby have secured the accolade.
Munster have been playing in front of packed houses at both their Cork and Limerick grounds during the season.
With four fixtures staged at Musgrave Park and five at the newly refurbished Thomond Park Stadium, the province have sold over 160,000 tickets for their Magners League games.
With another capacity sell-out crowd expected for their final home game tonight against the Ospreys, Munster’s average ticket sales reached almost 18,000, moving the province into the top three, alongside Stade Francais and Toulouse, in terms of support for league rugby throughout Europe.
David Jordan, Director of Celtic Rugby, said: “The success that Munster have experienced on the pitch has been reflected off it with the confirmation that they are the Magners League’s best supported team for the 2008/09 campaign.
“The award reflects both the hard work behind the scenes and the fact that Munster’s loyal fans are turning out in all weathers to endorse a style of rugby that has seen their team become the Magners League champions this season.
“The refurbishment of Thomond Park Stadium is a magnificent achievement and I’m sure it will provide a fitting backdrop to the presentation of the trophies later this evening. Congratulations must go to everyone concerned with the province.”
Stephen Kent, Marketing Director, Wm Magner Ltd added: “We would like to offer our congratulations to everyone at Munster. This award reflects the hard work put in both on and off the field, along with the passion and loyalty of Munster’s fantastic fans.
“This award, alongside Munster being crowned Magners League champions, reflects the hunger that exists for the Magners League brand of rugby.
“We look forward to another sell-out crowd at tonight’s game, an exciting game of rugby and to celebrating the title with Munster and their fans following the game.”
EUROPE’S BEST SUPPORTED TEAMS (League games as at May 15, 2009):
Stade Francais – 26,365
Tolouse – 21,372
Munster – 17,929
Leicester Tigers – 17,358
Harlequins – 15,249
Leinster 14,728
Gloucester – 14,215
There will be a presentation of the salver for the Magners League’s best supported team made to Glenn Flanagan, chairman of the Munster Rugby Supporters Club, and Nicholas Comyn, President of the Munster Branch of the IRFU, before Munster’s game against the Ospreys tonight.
This will be followed by the presentation of the Magners League winners’ trophy at the conclusion of the game.