In October, Ulster Rugby is set to make history by playing at a GAA venue for the first time. This landmark event will occur during their final pre-season game against the Glasgow Warriors at Kingspan Breffni in Cavan.
Due to the unavailability of Kingspan Stadium in Belfast, which is undergoing the installation of a 3G pitch, Ulster Rugby has decided to host their pre-season fixture at the Cavan football venue on October 7
This occasion will not only be the first time that an Ulster GAA venue hosts an Ulster Rugby game, but it also recalls a previous instance when Gaelic football was played at their Ravenhill Stadium in 2014 during a 13-a-side match organized to support former Antrim captain Anto Finnegan and raise awareness about Motor Neurone Disease.
In an official statement, Ulster Rugby highlighted the significance of this historic game, emphasizing the collaboration between governing bodies in promoting both rugby and Gaelic games at the grassroots and professional levels throughout the province.
Ulster confirm that they’ll play a pre-season warm up game against Glasgow in Kingspan Breffni Park in Cavan.
First ever Ulster rugby game to be held in an Ulster GAA ground.— Will O'Callaghan (@willocallaghan) September 1, 2023
Jonny Petrie, the CEO of Ulster Rugby, also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with Ulster GAA in hosting a senior men's game in another part of the province while Kingspan Stadium undergoes upgrades for the 2023/24 season.
"With upgrades of Kingspan Stadium ahead of the 2023/24 season ongoing, including the new high-performance 3G pitch, our pre-season fixture this year offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with Ulster GAA on hosting a senior men's game in another part of the province," he said.
He extended thanks to Ulster GAA and Cavan GAA for providing the use of Kingspan Breffni and their support in organizing this fixture. He hopes that both season ticket holders and local supporters, as well as newcomers to the sport, will enjoy an exciting afternoon of rugby.
"Our thanks go to our friends at Ulster GAA and Cavan GAA for offering us the use of Kingspan Breffni and their support in putting on the fixture. We hope that both our season ticket holders and supporters who regularly travel from the local area to attend games in Belfast, and those who may be new to the sport, will enjoy an entertaining afternoon," he added.
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