Northampton need ‘appreciation and respect’ for Croke Park history ahead of semi-final

Northampton have been learning about the history of Croke Park in anticipation of becoming the first English club side to play at the home of Gaelic sport when they clash with Leinster on Saturday.

Saints visit the 82,300 Dublin stadium for an Investec Champions Cup semi-final that matches the best teams in England and Ireland.

Director of rugby Phil Dowson believes crucial to success is an understanding of the history of Croke Park, which is steeped in national symbolism as the site of the 1920 Bloody Sunday massacre that took place during the War of Independence.

Northampton’s Irish strength and conditioning coach Eamonn Hyland gave a presentation on its background to the squad on Monday and while Dowson stresses “we are not playing against ghosts”, he knows the venue will have special meaning for Leinster and their fans.

Ready to go head to head