‘A’ Team Exeter-Bound For Churchill Cup

The Ireland ‘A’ team’s two pool fixtures in May’s Barclays-sponsored Churchill Cup will be held in Exeter.

Sandy Park Stadium, the home of the Exeter Chiefs, will host the ‘A’ side’s meeting with Canada on Saturday, May 19 (kick-off 8pm), and their clash with the New Zealand Maori, the reigning champions, on Tuesday, May 28 (kick-off 8pm).

The Exeter ground, where England Saxons beat Italy ‘A’ 34-5 earlier this month, can accomodate 10,000 spectators.

For ticket and match information, please visit www.exeterchiefs.co.uk, or telephone the Chiefs’ ticket office at 0044 (0) 1392 890890.

The Chiefs’ Chief Executive Tony Rowe said: “We were delighted when we were awarded the England Saxons match against Italy ‘A’ earlier this month.

“We were very pleased with the organization and smooth running of Sandy Park Stadium on the night, which clearly demonstrated we have the ability to accommodate big matches and big crowds.

“We are equally delighted with the news that we are to host two further international matches during the Churchill Cup which is a testimony of what we have achieved at Sandy Park.

“The news gives a huge boost to Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club and to rugby throughout the south west.”

Michael Bradley’s Ireland ‘A’ side finished third at last year’s Churchill Cup tournament in Canada and the USA, where they beat England Saxons in a dramatic third-fourth place play-off.

May’s event, which will be televised by Sky Sports, is the fifth Churchill Cup and marks the first time the tournament has been held in England. The 2008 competition will be hosted by USA Rugby.

2007 BARCLAYS CHURCHILL CUP FIXTURES:

POOL STAGES –

Friday, May 18: England Saxons v USA, Edgeley Park, Sale Sharks RFC, 7.45pm

Saturday, May 19: Ireland ‘A’ v Canada, Sandy Park, Exeter Chiefs RFC, 8pm

Wednesday, May 23: Scotland ‘A’ v USA, Henley RFC, 6pm

Friday, May 25: New Zealand Maori v Canada, Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton Saints RFC, 8pm

Monday, May 28: England Saxons v Scotland ‘A’, Twickenham Stadium, 3pm

Tuesday, May 29: New Zealand Maori v Ireland ‘A’, Sandy Park, Exeter Chiefs RFC, 8pm

FINALS –

Saturday, June 2: All six teams, kick-offs to be confirmed, Twickenham Stadium (Ticket details at www.ticketmaster.co.uk)