Cumnor Construction Ltd has successfully delivered the new Munster Rugby Centre of Excellence in Cork, after commencing work in late 2024.

Meanwhile, Collinson Tensile supplied and installed the tensile structure for the indoor training pitch. The project was completed late last month, with operations recently transferred from the previous Tramore Road offices.

The €7.3 million facility represents Munster Rugby’s second-largest capital project after the 2008 redevelopment of Thomond Park. The new centre includes a 50x40m indoor rugby pitch housed within a world-class dome, a 2,500 sq ft gym, and supporting infrastructure designed to accommodate both elite and community use. The facility will support Munster Rugby’s boys' and girls' age-grade programmes, player pathways, and local clubs and schools.

Construction of the centre was made possible in part through a €2.7 million contribution from the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF), alongside financial support from the IRFU. The centre is part of Munster Rugby’s ongoing strategy to develop domestic game infrastructure across the province.

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The official opening was attended by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, Minister of State with Responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue TD, the Lord Mayor of Cork, and representatives from Munster Rugby and the IRFU.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, commented: "The opening of the Munster Rugby Centre of Excellence marks a significant milestone for sport in this province. As one of Munster's major capital developments, it stands as a clear reflection of the ambition, pride and long-term vision that define Munster Rugby.  

"The programme for Government has set ambitious targets to ensure we invest in not only grassroots but also in high performance. This project exemplifies how grassroots and high performance can be successfully combined in one project. The return on investment is clearly evident with a strong pathway programme and outstanding performances in the provincial, United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup.  

"This facility will ensure Munster remains a driving force in Irish and international rugby. It’s an exciting day for Munster, and for Irish sport."

Photo credit: Olga Guryanova.