Vodacom United Rugby Championship winners Munster will face a massive test for world rugby bragging rights when they face the Super Rugby champions - the Crusaders - in a one-off match in February next year.
In what may be the prelude to the long talked about World Club Championship, Munster announced the first “Clash of Champions” game on Saturday February 3.
Munster beat the DHL Stormers in sensational fashion in May to claim the URC title, while the Crusaders beat the Chiefs last weekend to secure their seventh consecutive Super Rugby title.
Former Munster Head Coach Rob Penney has already been confirmed as the new Crusaders Head Coach from 2024 and their pre-season campaign will see them embark on their first ever international tour for fixtures against Munster and Bristol Bears.
In a press release announcing the fixture, Munster Rugby CEO, Ian Flanagan said: "We are delighted to welcome the Super Rugby champions to Munster, hosting a groundbreaking fixture against the Crusaders.
"We hold a proud and rich history of playing touring sides and I’ve no doubt next February’s game will be a special occasion for all involved."
Colin Mansbridge, Crusaders CEO, said "the Crusaders are thrilled to be coming over to Ireland and the UK to face some stiff competition away from home".
"NZ and Australian clubs have been working on the World Club Competition for years, so when an opportunity for Super teams to play Northern Hemisphere counterparts came up, it was just too good to pass up," Mansbridge said.
"Munster have a history of giving touring sides a pretty hard time, so they present particularly tough competition. There’s also the added connection with our new head coach Rob Penney who coached there," Mansbridge said.
The venue within Munster, will be confirmed in due course, but is likely to be in Cork, where the Irish province beat the SA A side last season..
2024 Crusaders Ireland and UK Fixtures
Munster Rugby v Crusaders, Saturday Feb 3 (5pm)
Bristol Bears v Crusaders, Friday Feb 9