Munster Rugby Unveils Cutting-Edge Indoor Training Facility with Collinson Tensile

Munster Rugby has taken another significant step in developing its infrastructure, announcing Collinson Tensile as the tensile structure subcontractor to construct a state-of-the-art indoor training pitch at its Cork Centre of Excellence at Virgin Media Park.

The €7.3 million facility marks Munster Rugby’s second-largest capital investment project to date, following the redevelopment of Thomond Park in 2008. Designed to elevate both elite and grassroots rugby in the region, the facility will provide a world-class indoor training environment, benefiting players at all levels of the game.

A Game-Changing Facility

At the heart of the development is a 2,000m² word-class indoor rugby training pitch. The innovative design features a semi-translucent roof, allowing natural daylight to filter through – enhancing the training environment while reducing energy consumption. Fully equipped with lighting for evening use, the space ensures year-round accessibility for teams.

Adjacent to the training pitch is an impressive ancillary block, which includes a large gym and modern changing facilities, providing Munster’s players with the best possible training conditions.

Investing in Grassroots Rugby

While the new Centre of Excellence will serve Munster’s professional squads, it is also a substantial investment in the grassroots and community game. The facility will support the Munster Rugby boys’ and girls’ age-grade programmes, strengthening the player development pathway and offering local clubs and schools a top-tier space for training.

Additionally, the Centre will be available for community use, welcoming schools, local clubs, active adult groups, and youth organisations to benefit from its world-class amenities.

Collaboration and Support

The project is being delivered in partnership with Cumnor Construction as the main contractor, with Wilson Architecture leading the design and Horganlynch Consulting Engineers overseeing structural elements. The initiative has also been made possible with the support of the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF), which has played a crucial role in bringing the vision to life.

As Munster Rugby continues to invest in its future, this cutting-edge facility will stand as a testament to the club’s commitment to excellence, ensuring the next generation of players can develop their skills in a world-class environment.

For the full press release please download this here.