INM lines out for deal to rename Musgrave Park

The partnership agreement, which will come into effect next season, is for a period of 10 years.

The naming rights sponsorship deal will assist in creating permanency for Munster Rugby in Ireland’s second largest city, including assisting with the re-development of the grounds.

As part of the naming rights agreement, Independent News & Media will have total and exclusive ground naming rights. It will have extensive branding at the ground’s entrance, on directional signage and in match day programmes.

“Independent News & Media is delighted to confirm this new agreement with Munster rugby and the renaming of Musgrave Park to Irish Independent Park,” said Leslie Buckley, Chairman, Independent News & Media (pictured, centre, with Munster's Peter O’Mahony and Donncha O'Callaghan).

“This is hallowed ground for Munster rugby — and particularly for Cork supporters. The Irish Independent has always had a strong affinity with Munster rugby, underpinned by our weekly rugby pullout exclusively for our Munster readers. We now look forward to positively and successfully building on that relationship.”

Opened in 1940, Musgrave Park is the Cork home to Munster Rugby. Its tenant clubs are Dolphin and Sunday’s Well. It has hosted some famous matches including a draw against the All Blacks in 1973 and most notably in 1992 when Munster beat reigning world champions Australia, one of three Munster victories over the Wallabies.