The 2011-12 British & Irish Cup semi-final draw has been made. Three of the four home nations are represented in this year’s semi-final line-up, with an all Irish tie set to take place when Leinster ‘A’ host Munster ‘A’…
Munster will be hoping to push through to their second British & Irish Cup final, having lost to inaugural winners Cornish Pirates in May 2010.
Standing in their way are close rivals Leinster ‘A’, who topped Pool 3 with three wins and a draw against London Welsh. A comprehensive 32-0 home win against Pontypridd confirmed the Irish club’s entry to the semi-finals.
In the second semi-final, newcomers Cross Keys have made their first year in the competition known, finishing top of Pool 2 just one point ahead of Munster ‘A’.
The Principality Premiership side will welcome Cornish Pirates to Pandy Park, following a dominant win over Llanelli in the quarter-finals.
The Pirates are the only team in the line-up to have won all four of their pool matches, securing their path to the semi-finals with a win over fellow RFU Championship contenders Nottingham Rugby.
British & Irish Cup semi-finals, April 6-8
Semi-final 1: Leinster ‘A’ v Munster ‘A’
Semi-final 2: Cross Keys V Cornish Pirates
British & Irish Cup Final, April 28
The winner of Semi-final 1 will host the winner of Semi-final 2, meaning that for the first time in the competition’s history, an Irish team will stage the British & Irish Cup final.
