Leinster agree to Toulouse switch

Leinster have confirmed this weekend’s European Cup opener against Tolouse has been moved to Donnybrook at the request of the…

Leinster have confirmed this weekend’s European Cup opener against Tolouse has been moved to Donnybrook at the request of the French club.

Tolouse had been due to host the tie but made the request after last week’s explosion in the city, a blast that has left at least 29 people dead.

The match was originally scheduled for the city’s soccer stadium, as the rugby ground is currently undergoing renovation. However, the soccer ground suffered structural damage in the explosion and last Saturday Toulouse officials called for the tie to be moved.

Both stadia are also in an exclusion zone as there is a threat of chemical pollution in the air. The explosion took place at the AZF chemical factory.

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In a statement released today, the Leinster Branch announced they had "graciously accepted" the request and the match will now take place at Donnybrook on Friday evening, kicking-off at 7 p.m.

In the statement the Leinster Branch sent their "sincerest sympathies and condolences to Toulouse". The teams will observe a minutes silence before kick-off and both national flags will be flown at half-mast.

Leinster will name their team on Wednesday afternoon. Tickets will be available from the Donnybrook ticket office from midday on Wednesday.

Noel O'Reilly

Noel O'Reilly

Noel O'Reilly is Sports Editor of The Irish Times