...RSA Challenge match featuring Ireland against Australia at Clontarf, Dublin, on Thursday 17th June 2010.
Cricket Ireland has also released ticket prices for this eagerly anticipated clash, with adult ticket prices at just 40 Euros, while accompanied children under 16 can gain access for 14 Euros. There are also family and club deals on offer as well as significant discounts for OAP's and school groups.
Commenting on the announcement RSA's Chief Executive Philip Smith said, "As very proud sponsors of the Irish Cricket Teams, RSA Insurance is delighted to be the sponsor of this world class event and secure the continuation of the high profile RSA Challenge Series into 2010. I'm sure both teams will rise to the occasion and do their countries proud. We look forward to the match with huge excitement and anticipation."
Warren Deutrom, Cricket Ireland CEO said: "We are very fortunate to have such an enthusiastic and proactive sponsor in RSA, and we are delighted they are continuing to support our marquee events, as well as our headline cricket teams. Following the huge success of the RSA Challenge between Ireland and England back in August, we hope that Ireland playing Australia in Dublin will continue to raise the growing profile of cricket in this country, and that the Irish public will get behind our boys as they challenge one of the world’s great cricket teams."
It's more than 16 years since the sides last met in Dublin, and the Irish sporting public is expected to turn out in force for the visit of the defending World Champions.
Ireland captain, William Porterfield is clearly excited by the fixture, saying: "Obviously it’s going to be a fantastic occasion, not just for the team, but for all Irish supporters. We came close to shocking England in our last ODI in Belfast, and if we can up our game for the day, I'm sure we can run Australia close. We've played some super cricket over the past two to three years, claiming some huge scalps along the way.
"There have been times though when we've been in great positions and fallen at crucial moments after being on top for 80% of the game. If everyone plays to their full potential, who knows, we may have another day to remember. Having said that, they're a super side with players of the calibre of Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey and Brett Lee, so we know it'll be difficult. The compact surroundings of Clontarf are sure to provide a wonderful atmosphere, and I'm sure the tickets will sell out quickly. Hopefully the weather Gods will be kind to us, and it should be a super day out for everyone."
Tickets for the RSA Challenge go on sale at Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.ie on Monday morning December 14 at 10 am. Further details can be found on the Cricket Ireland website www.irishcricket.org
Ticket Prices:
Adult €40.00, Assoc/Life Member €32.00, OAP €30.00, U16 Accompanied €14.00, U16 Unaccompanied €18.00, Family package 1 (2 adults/2 children) €104.00, Family package 2 ( 1 adult/2 children) €65.00, Wheelchair bound adult plus carer €60.00, Club deal €35.00, School deal (1 adult free with 8 children) €112.00.
