The FAI announced today that Thomond Park in Limerick will host a friendly international match between The Republic of Ireland and World Cup 2010 hosts South Africa on September 8.

Thomond Park, home to Munster rugby, re-opened last Autumn after a huge redevelopment and has a capacity of 26,000.

The Republic will also play at Munster’s home ground on August 12, when they take on Australia.  Giovanni Trappatoni’s men are level on points with Italy at the top of their World Cup qualifying group.

The match against the South Africans will take place three days after the World Cup qualifier away to Cyprus.