Current player diaries, coaching staff insights, perceptions of former Munster players, team news, exclusive content and much more will be part of the latest offering.

Garrett Fitzgerald, Munster Rugby Chief Executive said: “Munster Rugby are delighted to partner with The Irish Independent. With the largest readership of any daily newspaper in Ireland, this gives Munster Rugby an opportunity to reach all of our supporters on a weekly basis while giving the clubs and schools of Munster even greater profile for the work they are doing”.

Speaking at the announcement Stephen Rae, Editor, Irish Independent said “Community is greatly valued in Munster and, like Munster Rugby, the Irish Independent is enjoyed across the length and breadth of the province, sparking debate and informing and connecting readers of all ages and backgrounds."

"At the Irish Independent we are just as excited about showcasing schools and club rugby as we are with reporting first team news and views. Starting in this Friday’s Irish Independent, Munster readers and fans can savour the Thomond Park-like atmosphere early, as Munster prepares to take on Racing Metro, to go through to the knock-out stages of the Heineken Cup” he said.

Commenting, Geoff Lyons, Group Marketing Manager at Independent Newspapers Ireland Limited commented “With this partnership, the Irish Independent will be in a position to offer exclusive and unparalleled coverage of all things Munster Rugby. We will be offering rare insights from Munster staff, both players and management, to our readers. We are delighted to be a part of such a huge local institution and we look forward to offering promotions, competitions and ticket giveaways to reward loyal fans and readers.”