Official Leinster Supporters Club Guide to clermont ASM Clermont v Leinster Dec 9, 2012

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153051 BOI RUGBY - StormForce A4.indd 1 14/05/2012 09:32 Introduction Clermont-Ferrand is located on the top of an extinct volcano in the Massif Central region of France. The area is well known as the home of Michelin tyres but something you may not be aware of is that the famous guide books of the same name were originally designed to encourage people to use their cars for tourism, and in the Clermont Christmas Market process use more tyres!

Clermont is a university town and is home to some of the most passionate rugby people you could meet. Leinster supporters who were fortunate enough to make the visit in December 2010 will remember the weekend which, although involving snow and freezing temperatures, was a stand out trip in our Heineken Cup history. Following the frequent clashes between the two sides in recent times, many supporters argue that Clermont is among the top rugby destinations in Europe.

ASM Clermont Auvergne was originally called Association Sportive Monterrandaise Clermont Auvergne. Founded in 1911 the club celebrated its centenary last year. The team colours are blue and yellow so we urge Leinster supporters to deck themselves out in blue and white only on this occasion. transport While Clermont has an airport, the only scheduled flights are internal ones with Air France. Supporters will mostly be using (345kms) or (135kms).

Late availability may exist with Joe Walsh Tours, which operates direct charter flights to Clermont. Visit www.joewalshtours.ie for further information and to book.

If flying to another airport, check out www.tgv-europe.com for trains, alternately visit www.arguscarhire.com/corporate and quote OLSC to avail of a 5% discount on any rental car hire.

Accommodation If, at the time of reading, you have yet to book your accommodation, we recommend that you visit www.accorhotels.com for options across a number of price and comfort levels.

Getting around the city centre The city centre is compact enough that it can be viewed on foot. Taxis in France can be difficult to locate in the evening so we recommend booking one when required through your hotel reception or by calling +33 4 73 31 53 15.

There is a tram service that runs through the city centre and on to the ground (see details for the stadium for more information). Tickets should be bought using the machines at each stop and validated on board.

© Sportsfile Supporter HQ Those who made the visit to Clermont this time two years ago will be familiar with Café Pascal, a friendly pub located in the city center they welcomed Leinster supporters back then and are pleased to do the same this weekend.

Café Pascal is located at 4 Place de la Victoire in the city center. The supporter base will open from 9.30am on both Saturday and Sunday morning and will be open late both nights. All pints will be E5. Meals and snacks are from E12, or E15 with a pint.

Other Heineken Cup action over the weekend will be shown live on TV and free wifi is also available. Christmas Markets From 30 November the popular Clermont Christmas markets with more 70 decorated chalets will be taking place in Place de la Victoire (Victory Square), just a short stroll from Café Pascal. Enjoy a ‘vin chaud’ while you take in the crafts and souvenirs from local sellers. Local Tourism Information Place de la Victoire Tel: + 33 8 4 73 98 65 00 Web: www.clermont-ferrand.com and www.auvergne-tourism.com Stadium Information and how to get there ASM Clermont Auvergne Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin 35 Rue du Clos-Four Clermont Ferrand 63000 Tel: 33 8 92 23 63 00 Web: www.asm-rugby.com

Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin has a capacity of circa 16,000 and is located near the city centre, as always for these fixtures we encourage supporters to get there early. We will gather outside the stadium from 1pm to enjoy live entertainment and then march into the stadium en masse when gates open at 2pm.

To get there on foot (approximately 15-20 minutes): Leave the central train station and follow The Avenue de l’Union Sovietique for approximately 350 metres. Turn left on Rue Niel (for another 350 metres) then turn right onto Avenue de la Republique (about 500 metres).

By tram (approximately six minutes): The tram is on a single line that connects the CHRU to the district of Champratel. It stops in front of the Park de Sports, on the Avenue of the Republic. From the city center take the Champratel direction and from there to the station Marcel Michelin. Flags The flags issued in the RDS (with a white plastic pole) have been cleared by the Dublin Airport Authority for hand luggage and should also be acceptable to pass through French airports. The OLSC team will have a limited number of flags and blue santa hats to distribute outside the stadium however please bring flags from home if you can. Keep in touch with the OLSC

You can keep up to date with all the latest news and information from the OLSC on our website, by liking us on facebook and following us on Twitter. You can also view all our video content on our YouTube channel. Just search for us or simply scan the QR codes below to find us.

Official Leinster Supporters Club www.olsc.ie

Twitter: YouTube: OLSCRugby OLSCRugby OLSC discounts for supporters – Home and Away Leinster clothing: To stock up with all the Leinster gear you need ahead of the game this weekend – or at any time – visit the Leinster Rugby Store in Donnybrook or online at www.leinsterrugbystore.ie where your season ticket will get you 10% off. Car hire: If you need to hire a rental car for an away trip, or any other time, you can save 5% offer by quoting OLSC at www.arguscarhire.com/corporate Dublin airport specials: Car parking: Between now and 6 December book your short-term parking at block C (enter 7/8 December and exit 9/10 December), enter code ‘OLSC12’ and pay just E17 for two days, E22 for 3 days or E27 for 4 days – to book go to www.dublinairportcarparking.ie. By booking your car parking at Dublin Airport you also receive a E10 off voucher on any purchase at The Loop when you spend over E50. Dublin Airport Genie service: Book the ‘Fast Track’ or ‘Genie Lounge Service’ any time up to December 11 and save 20% by quoting ‘OLSCPUYCUEFL’ at www.airportgenie.com Food at Terminal 1: • Burger King – Free fries and drink with every adult sandwich on presentation of your match ticket. • SOHO – A flying club meal combo for E6.95 on presentation of your match ticket. Food at Terminal 2: • Across the weekend, show your match ticket at The Slaney bar and get either a Heineken & burger for E9.95 OR 20% off all meals and beverages. Bear: Jamie Heaslip’s restaurant on South William Street, Dublin 2 offers all season ticket holders a 10% discount on presentation of their plastic card. On home match days season ticket holders can also get a steak, chips and a beer (or soft drink) for just E10. Sportsfile: Sportsfile is the official photographer of Leinster Rugby. Save EEE Whether you are looking for action shots of the team or with the supporters at home or away you can avail of a 15% discount by OLSC quoting ‘OLSC1215’ when purchasing photographs directly from www.sportsfile.com The gallery on line is normally updated within hours each match so if your photo is taken on the road you can order a copy quickly!

More: The OLSC has a number of on-going offers for season ticket holders and match ticket holders including food and drink specials with The Horse Show House, Alfie Byrne’s in the Conrad, The Exchequer, Kielys of Donnybrook and The Bath Pub. See the offers section of www.olsc.ie for details. Message from the coach Dear Leinster Supporter,

As we complete our final preparations for Sunday’s Heineken Cup Round 3 fixture away to ASM Clermont Auvergne, I would like to thank all of you for your outstanding support so far this year.

We are facing into back-to-back games against one of the best sides in the competition and I know that many of you will make the return leg in the next weekend.

We are in an extremely challenging Pool once again this year and we have seen at first hand the kind of quality that both the and the bring. Thankfully we have managed to secure victories in our opening rounds, but our opponents this weekend Clermont have beaten both sides with a bonus point and that underlines the kind of quality that they have in their ranks.

Rugby helps foster enduring domestic and international friendships and it has been special to see such a strong bond being forged between both sets of supporters, particularly since the Quarter Final of 2010. There is a rich tradition between both clubs, heightened by some hugely passionate and memorable encounters in recent years.

Clermont have improved significantly this season and their squad depth is the envy of most European panels. They could name a first or second XV packed with real international quality and their record in Stade Marcel Michelin is formidable. So it goes without saying that the challenge this weekend will be colossal, but it’s one that the team is looking forward to.

Your backing continues to inspire the players and each of you can help play a key role with your vocal support of the team this weekend.

The people of Clermont are looking forward to hosting Leinster once more and I hope that you have a memorable weekend in the Auvergne region.

Travel safely and enjoy the game.

Best wishes,

JOE SCHMIDT Leinster Head Coach From the OLSC committee

Message from the OLSC committee Back-to-back fixtures against ASM Clermont Auvergne – it doesn’t get much harder than this in the Heineken Cup and this weekend the first leg of this very tough task begins.

We know that at least 600 supporters will be in the stadium on Sunday cheering on the boys in blue. Those who were fortunate enough to visit Clermont two years ago or were at the semi final in Bordeaux last year, will know just how vocal their supporters can be so be as loud as you can as we will have to give it everything to make ourselves heard in that environment.

The team knows how important this fixture will be in determining who leads our pool on the road to Aviva Stadium in May. Clermont will be favourites in this fixture for sure but nothing will be taken for granted, strange things can happen in the Heineken Cup and this weekend is no different.

If you are heading to Clermont for the first time we know you will enjoy it. Be sure to take in the Christmas markets and local hospitality of this rugby-mad city and pay a visit to our supporter HQ, Café Pascal, to meet both Leinster and Clermont supporters. Most of all, be sure to bring your singing boots!

Remember that Clermont’s official colours are blue and yellow so for this weekend please try to wear blue and white so that the Leinster support is visible to the players.

Have a great trip and let’s hope it’s a great start to the festive season.

C’MON LEINSTER!

OLSC committee London

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