Stradey to host Scarlets-Munster

The Scarlets hope to loosen Munster's grip on the cup

The Scarlets have confirmed that their Heineken Cup quarter-final with Munster will be in Llanelli's Stradey Park.

A switch from the ageing 10,800 capacity ground in favour of Swansea's 20,500-seater Liberty Stadium had been mooted for commercial reasons.

"We've made an early decision to end speculation about the game," Scarlets chief executive Stuart Gallacher said.

"Our players and fans deserve the best chance of progressing further and we believe Stradey gives us that chance."

We have huge respect for everything Munster stand for and feel there are many similarities between them and us Phil Davies

The game will be held on the weekend of 31 March, with finalised date, time and ticketing arrangements to be announced on Wednesday, 24 January.

The Llanelli side are already guaranteed £250,000 for reaching the last eight, plus 60% of the quarter-final gate.

Munster will be allocated 15% of the tickets, sure to be snapped up by their huge contingent of travelling fans.

Llanelli Scarlets director of rugby Phil Davies says he is excited by the draw.

"They're a fantastic side," said Davies, who may have hoped for an easier draw than the holders after his side won all their pool games.

"We have huge respect for everything Munster stand for and feel there are many similarities between them and us."

We have to keep playing well and raising the bar in our performance Phil Davies

Scarlets outside-half Stephen Jones also welcomed news of the Munster challenge.

"They're a great team who travel well, so we have to ensure that we concentrate on our own performance," said the Wales skipper.

"Of course we respect them as a side - just look at their track record - and it's going to be a terrific game."

Davies was satisfied with his side's narrow 20-16 win over London Irish in the final pool game.

"We've put in some brilliant performances in qualifying, but this shows that we can also get the results when we are not peaking," he told BBC Sport Wales.

"We may not have had the edge that we showed in victory in Ulster, but we still got the win.

"We've now got four Magners League games before the Heineken Cup quarter-final - we have to keep playing well and raising the bar in our performance."