Jonny to play in opening game

BANBRIDGE'S Jonny Murphy has been selected for the Ulster-Leinster squad that will face a Munster-Connacht side in the O2 Challenge match to open the new Aviva Stadium on July 31.

Hooker Murphy, who has represented Ulster and Irish Youth for the past two seasons, captaining Ulster last season, is one of eleven Ulstermen in a 22 man panel.

The two sides have been selected from the best young talent across Ireland.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Leinster and Ulster were the first representative teams to play in the old Lansdowne Road nearly 133 years ago on 16 December 1876. While they were rivals for that match, they will be joining forces on this occasion which will allow rugby stakeholders the chance to be the first to experience a game in the Aviva Stadium.

The IRFU have announced that already over 40,000 tickets have been sold for the game.

Tickets are priced at €10 and a limited number still available for purchase online.