By Cathal Dervan>

MUNSTER and Leinster face a home venue headache in the quarterfinals of the Heineken Cup after confirmation from the GAA that they will not entertain European rugby matches in Killarney or Croke Park.

Both Irish provinces go into this weekend’s final pool games in strong positions to seal home advantage in the last eight, with wins against Leicester for Munster and Gloucester for the Leinster Blues.

The problem for the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and the provinces is a simple one as Lansdowne Road, the RDS and Thomond Park are all unavailable due to construction work.

A double header in Cardiff is apparently no longer a runner due to a soccer match in the Welsh capital on the first weekend in April so both provinces must look elsewhere for their “home” games.

The GAA’s Central Council have categorically stated they will not open Croke Park up for anything other than the international soccer and rugby games already scheduled for 2007.

And former GAA President Sean Kelly has confirmed that the Killarney ground is vested in the GAA and cannot be used by Munster either.

“I can confirm that Fitzgerald Stadium, like all other GAA grounds in the country is indeed vested in the GAA, which means that it is governed by the rules of the association,” said Kelly, a trustee of the committee that runs the venue.

“Many years ago, about 20 years ago, there might have been a loophole to allow it but it was sorted out at the time,” he said.

A statement from the Munster branch of the IRFU said, “In the event that Munster achieve a ‘home’ quarterfinal venue in the Heineken Cup the only Irish venue being considered at this point in time is Musgrave Park in Cork.

“Preliminary discussions have been held with the stadium directors of venues in Britain, but a final decision must await the outcome of Munster’s final Pool Four game with Leicester Tigers.

“Munster Rugby fully understands the GAA’s policy for the non availability of their stadia.”

In a twist to the story, the GAA’S Central Council have confirmed that they are considering requests from the IRFU and Football Association of Ireland to stage international rugby and soccer friendlies at Croke Park in 2008.