Munster fans will not be surprised to see that Thomond Park is currently leading a poll of the top five rugby stadiums in the world, though it was a surprising sixth entry into the list.
Intheloose.com compiled a list of the top five rugby stadia in the world, taking into account atmosphere and accessibility, but mainly atmosphere. The five chosen, in no particular order were the Millennium Stadium, the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane Parc des Princes, Newlands in Cape Town and Eden Park in Auckland.
Not a bad list, but there were many on the forum who felt there was a glaring omission, the home of Munster rugby. Dave Nicholl of Intheloose said that Thomond would be added if there was enough support, and sure enough there was an overwhelming response.
The historic ground, which dates back to 1940 and redeveloped for €40m in 2008, has surged ahead in the poll which closes on Friday, claiming 88 per cent of the votes, with the Millennium Stadium second with seven per cent, so it looks likely that the home of Munster rugby will not be caught at this stage.
Thomond Park boss John Cantwell told the Limerick Leader said the stadium “absolutely” deserved to be ranked among the world’s best.
“In terms of its redevelopment the venue has retained everything it was meant to and probably even more so in terms of atmosphere and reputation, internationally,” he said.
“Part of my job is to be away looking at stadiums – which is a nice part of it – and bench marking Thomond against them. Obviously people would think I am biased, but I would say it is right up there, and I think it is maybe the number one.”
Friday is the last day of voting, so you can cast yours here.
Hardly the first time Munster’s 16th man has made their voice heard.
