Munster To Face La Rochelle In Pre-Season

Munster Rugby will face La Rochelle at Stade Marcel Deflandre in the team’s first pre-season fixture ahead of the 2026/27 season on Friday, August 28 (7.30pm).

It is one of two games that Clayton McMillian’s side will play ahead of the new campaign with Leicester Tigers visiting Virgin Media Park on Friday, September 18 (7.15pm). Family packs of four tickets are available from just €40 here.

The game in France will see the clubs face off for the first time since their first competitive fixture in the Champions Cup Round of 16 in April 2025.

Jack Crowley was the match-winner that day with his late drop-goal helping Munster to a 25-24 win against Ronan O’Gara’s side.

The clubs have met twice before in pre-season games in 2011 and 2012 with La Rochelle winning both fixtures.

The first-ever meeting between the side in August 2011 saw La Rochelle win 19-14 with JJ Hanrahan among the Munster squad.

La Rochelle finished sixth in the Top14 after winning 15 of their 26 league encounters before an away defeat to Stade Francais in the knock-out stages brought an end to their campaign.

See details of Munster’s URC fixtures for 2026/27 here. The Pool draw for next season’s Champions Cup takes place on Wednesday, July 1, from 12.30pm.

Pre-Season Fixtures

Friday, August 28

Stade Rochelais v Munster Rugby, Stade Marcel Deflandre, 7.30pm;

Friday, September 18

Munster Rugby v Leicester Tigers, Virgin Media Park, 7.15pm; Match tickets available here

Please note, 11-Game Season Membership holders will be contacted directly with details of how to redeem their complimentary ticket for the Leicester fixture.

Season Membership Packages

There are six Season Membership options available for next season. See full details here.