Munster and Leinster to renew rivalry in Rainbow Cup opener

Leinster and Munster will clash as the Rainbow Cup, featuring four new sides from South Africa, kicks off next month

Nigel Whittaker

March 27 2021 02:30 AM

The PRO14 have announced that the Rainbow Cup will start in late April, with Munster hosting Leinster in the opening round of fixtures.

The competition is set to feature the 12 teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy, as well as four new South African sides – the Sharks, Bulls, Stormers and Lions. Only the first three rounds of games have been confirmed thus far, which will be three rounds of interpros for the Irish provinces, as the competition organisers await government clearnace for rounds 4 to 6, when the South African teams are slated to travel to the UK, Ireland and Italy.

A total of six rounds (eight games per round) will take place with all teams ranked in a single league table.

The top two teams will then play each other in the Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup final on June 19.

The opening Rainbow Cup match will be the fifth time Munster and Leinster have gone head-to-head since rugby resumed, with the rivals set to play off today in the PRO14 final.

Leinster have won the previous three meetings since the league returned in August.

Meanwhile, Connacht attack coach Nigel Carolan has announced he will cut ties with the province, bringing the curtain down on a 14-year spell as academy manager.

The Galway native has spent more then 20 years at the province in playing and coaching roles but said the time was right for a fresh challenge.

“When I signed my most recent contract over two years ago, I made it clear to Connacht that it would be my last before embarking on a new challenge. I have been involved with Connacht Rugby for most of the last 26 years of my life. While I have loved every day of it and I cannot speak highly enough of the people I’ve worked with, the time has come for a new experience in rugby.

“I’m at the stage of my coaching career where I need to challenge myself in a new environment and gain new perspectives, so I’m excited by what the future holds for Siobhan, Milly, Ben and myself.”

Rainbow Cup fixtures

Munster v Leinster, Ulster vs Connacht (weekend of April 24)

Connacht vs Leinster, Munster vs Ulster (weekend of May 8)

Leinster vs Ulster, Connacht vs Munster (weekend of May 15)