The Aviva Stadium in Dublin has been chosen as the host venue for this season’s Guinness PRO12 Final on May 27, 2017.
This is the third year that a destination venue has been selected with Kingspan Stadium the first in 2015 and BT Murrayfield in 2016 earlier this summer.
Tickets are already on sale for the final and fans can save up to 20 per cent by availing of Early Bird rates if they purchase before January 2, 2017 at Ticketmaster.ie.
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“After the successes of the finals hosted in Belfast and Edinburgh, Aviva Stadium will provide another grand stage that rewards clubs, players and fans from across the Championship,” said Guinness PRO12 CEO Martin Anayi.
“Since it’s redevelopment in 2010, Aviva Stadium has fast become an iconic rugby arena and after a thrilling final at BT Murrayfield between Connacht Rugby and Leinster Rugby that set a new attendance record, it seems only right that we should try to raise the bar yet again here in Dublin.”
The selection of Edinburgh was criticised last year because it clashed with the City Marathon meaning there was a premium on flights and accommodation in the City.
Dublin does suffer from a serious shortage of hotel rooms at present but with Irish teams having filled three of last year’s four semi final spots and nine of the last 12 finalists much of the travelling fan base may be more local.
There was controversy last year with Connacht and Leinster fans having to travel to Scotland and calls in some quarters that last year’s final should have been switched.
That was plainly ridiculous at such short notice given the complexities involved but some at least will consider then that this is a sensible choice for the tournament.
Last year’s attendance was 34,550 which given an Irish presence next year is likely to be beaten.
Aviva will retain their naming rights and branding, unlike in last week’s Champions’ League encounter.
