Blues fans ready for ticket scrum ahead of semi-final

cormac byrne

THE scrum for Leinster tickets will kick into overdrive tomorrow when Heineken Cup organisers release a public allocation for the semi-final clash with Clermont.

Tickets for the game, being played at the 35,000 capacity Stade Chaban-Delmas in Bordeaux on April 29, went on sale to Leinster season ticket holders yesterday and demand is said to be very strong.

Peter Breen, spokesman for Leinster Rugby, is mindful of the fact that the trip to the south of France will be expensive but is expecting a strong travelling support to cheer on Joe Schmidt and the boys.

Trek

"Fans are going to have to dig deep again, they've already followed us to Montpellier, Bath and Glasgow and our away games in the Rabo and I'm sure they'll turn out in force again," he said.

"Air fares are rocketing and Bordeaux is not the cheapest place in the world. It'll be a case of planes, trains and automobiles going over. It's a bit of a trek but Leinster fans have shown over the years that they are very resourceful when it comes to travelling for away fixtures and the upcoming semi-final should be no different."

Tickets for the game will be priced at between €20-€60 and will be available from 10am tomorrow. Tickets for public sale will be available on www.francebillet.com and www.ticketnet.fr and also online at www.cotedargent-rugby.com/actualites, by telephoning (0033)5 56752181 or at the Comite de Rugby de Cote d'Argent, 4 rue Branlac, 33170 Gradignan, from tomorrow between 1pm and 6pm.

The ticket allocation for both teams is split 50/50 after corporate and tournament organiser requirements meaning that Leinster could have around a 15,000 crowd at the game.

Leinster qualified for the final four thanks to a clinical 34-3 victory over the Cardiff Blues at the Aviva Stadium last weekend, a venue where they hold a 100pc record.