The Pro14’s new ‘Rainbow Cup’ competition gets underway this weekend. It was originally intended to include the South African teams involved in the Pro14, but they have been forced to pull out due to the COVID restrictions in place in Britain and Ireland. Nonetheless, there are plenty of exciting games upcoming and we have all the info you need on how to watch the Rainbow Cup game between Leinster and Munster.
What is the Rainbow Cup?
The Rainbow Cup was devised as a cross-continental competition with four Irish, four Welsh, four South African, two Scottish, and two Italian teams. It was intended to give the South African teams much-needed competitive action ahead of this summer’s Lions tour.
However, due to issues surrounding visa clearances, the South African teams were forced to withdraw mere days before the Cup’s beginning. What’s left is a slightly reformatted Pro14 competition, with only the 12 northern hemisphere teams to play in two conferences. The winners of the two conferences will contest a final in June.
Where will Leinster v Munster take place?
Leinster host Munster at the RDS in Dublin. The game will be played behind closed doors.
When will Leinster v Munster kick-off?
Leinster v Munster kicks off at 7:35pm on Saturday April 24th.
How to watch Leinster v Munster in Ireland?
Eir Sport are the host broadcasters for the game, with their live coverage starting at 7pm. TG4 will have deferred coverage of the game later in the evening, with their coverage kicking off at 9:45pm.
How are the two teams looking?
The two met very recently in the Pro14 final, with Leinster ultimately claiming their fourth successive title after a disappointing Munster performance. Leinster are also through to the semi-finals of the Champions Cup after a thrilling win over Exeter, while Munster were knocked out by Toulouse at the Last 16 round.
Who's playing in the game?
Leinster have chosen to rest some of their first-choice players, with Harry Byrne given a chance from the start at out-half. Garry Ringrose starts at 13 and captains Leinster.
Munster field a full-strength team, with Peter O'Mahony back from a thigh injury to captain the team. Joey Carbery starts at out-half for Munster.
Leinster: Jordan Larmour, Dave Kearney, Garry Ringrose (c), Rory O'Loughlin, James Lowe, Harry Byrne, Hugh O'Sullivan; Ed Byrne, Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter, Ross Molony, Ryan Baird, Josh Murphy, Scott Penny, Caelan Dorris.
Munster: Mike Haley, Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Damian de Allende, Shane Daly, Joey Carbery, Conor Murray; Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer, Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne, Peter O'Mahony (c), Jack O'Donoghue, CJ Stander.
Are there any other games on?
Eir Sport are showing another Irish derby on Friday night, with kick-off between Ulster and Connacht at 8:15pm.
SEE ALSO: Quiz: Name The Starting XV's From The Leinster Vs Munster 2006 Heineken Cup Semi-Final
