Kingspan Stadium is no more. From today, it will be known as Affidea Stadium, following a long-term deal signed by Ulster Rugby with the European healthcare provider.
Affidea is a leading pan-European healthcare company operating 410 clinics across 16 countries. In Northern Ireland, its footprint includes Affidea Belfast (formerly Northern MRI), as well as Affidea Orthoderm and Affidea Hillsborough Private Clinic.
The company has approved plans to open a state-of-the-art private hospital in 2026, creating 160 jobs and housing a much-needed orthopaedic and sports medicine centre of excellence.
It entered the Irish market in 2007 and operates diagnostic centres in Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny, Kildare, Donegal, and Sligo, as well as in the North.
Ulster Rugby CEO Hugh McCaughey welcomed the new partnership:
“We are delighted to welcome Affidea as our new stadium naming rights partner. Affidea shares our passion for high performance, our commitment to the health and wellbeing of people across the province, and our vision for the future of rugby in Ulster.”
“Together, we will continue to invest in elite and grassroots rugby, and we look forward to seeing the Affidea Stadium become a beacon for sport and community pride in Ulster.”
The Affidea Stadium will remain home to Ulster Rugby’s Men’s and Women’s teams, the Academy, Schools competitions, and wider community events.
The partnership will be supported by refreshed signage, branding, and matchday activations, alongside deeper community engagement initiatives.
CEO of Affidea UK and Ireland, Barry Downes, described the partnership as a natural fit:
“Affidea is thrilled to partner with Ulster Rugby, a provincial side with a rich heritage, passionate support, and a deep-rooted connection to the local community.”
“Rugby is a game that inspires excellence, teamwork, and trust—values that align strongly with our approach to healthcare. We’re proud to see our name on a stadium that also represents those ideals.”
The deal represents a significant commercial boost for Ulster Rugby, in addition to securing SAM Mouldings as its primary and front-of-shirt partner. Bank of Ireland, Castore, GoPower, McAleer and Rushe, A&L Goodbody and BDO are among the other partners on board. .
The first official fixture at the newly named Affidea Stadium will take place on Saturday, August 9th, when Ireland Women take on Canada in the Summer Series and as a crucial warm up game for the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
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