BOULDER, Colo. -- After much deliberation and careful consideration, USA Rugby has decided to move the Setanta Challenge Cup, featuring the USA Eagles versus Munster, to Rentschler Field in Hartford, Conn. With the location change, the match will also be changing the date and time information and will now be played on Saturday, August 23 at 3 p.m.

The change of location was in part due to Munster’s success in this year’s Heineken Cup. USA Rugby needed to change locations in order to meet the increased space requirements needed for this year’s match. The date change was just an added benefit as USA Rugby was initially required to host the match on Friday, in Boston, due to other venue obligations.

“The Irish Cultural Centre of New England understands the need to accommodate the many spectators that will want to attend this exiting match especially since Munster may bring with them the Heineken Cup. Although the match will not be at the Centre we look forward to welcoming the Munster Rugby Team to New England and are looking forward to working with USA Rugby to bring this International match to all the many rugby fans both old and new,” said Sean Grant, Executive Director speaking on behalf of the Irish Cultural Centre of New England.

“We are extremely pleased that it worked out for the Eagles to return to Rentschler Field in Hartford.  The new location allows us the opportunity to capitalize on Munster’s success and more importantly it allows more of our fans the chance to see the game live.  With a mid-afternoon kickoff we encourage fans from all over New England to make a day out of this unique opportunity,” said Court Jeske, Director of Marketing, for USA Rugby.

Rentschler Field is Connecticut’s sports & entertainment stadium. In addition to being the new home of the University of Connecticut Huskies football team, Rentschler Field's 40,000-seat stadium is the perfect setting for college football, concerts, conferences, banquets and special events.

¶ 5/23/2008 01:37:00 PM