IT WAS ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY THAT LEINSTER Rugby and the RDS have a signed a new 25-year agreement that will see the Dublin venue continue to host Leinster games for the long-term future.
In September 2005, Leinster played their first game at the venue, and, two years later, the first lease was signed to make the stadium Leinster's permanent home ground
The Donnybrook venue since 2007 has held a number of high-profile events over the years which include the likes of Heineken Champions Cup final, the PRO14 Final, the PRO12 Final, football's FAI (Football Association of Ireland) Cup Finals, the Special Olympics, and famous annual Dublin Horse Show.
Leinster Rugby CEO, Mick Dawson, said: “We had a brilliant home down in Donnybrook but for us to grow as a club, as an organisation, we needed a bigger ground and better facilities and that is what we got with the RDS Arena.
“It is not just about the ground though, as the RDS, as an organisation, have been a brilliant partner over the last 15 years and I am delighted that we have agreed new terms that provides clarity and certainty for Leinster Rugby supporters and for the club for the years ahead.
📖 | Read more about the announcement this morning as @TheRDS and #LeinsterRugby commit to a further 25 years of partnership 👏
🔗| https://t.co/OeFMJMwvzx #FromTheGroundUp #TheRDS pic.twitter.com/aySYMm9Okh— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) October 25, 2022
“It is a hugely exciting time on and off the pitch and I am confident that in early 2023, we will be able to provide a further update, together with the RDS, on the next stage of our plans for the RDS Arena.
“Today is about securing the future, first and foremost, and I am very grateful to Geraldine Ruane, and the RDS Executive, for their help in getting this finalised.”
RDS CEO, Geraldine Ruane added, “Our relationship with Leinster Rugby really is a true partnership which has grown from strength to strength over the last 15 years and it is great that today we are announcing a further deepening of our partnership for the next 25 years.
“Leinster Rugby fans have truly embraced the RDS as their home and we are always looking at ways to enhance the fans’ experience and the new fan zone, The Laighin Den, is another great example of our partnership.
“I would like to thank Mick Dawson, and all the team in Leinster Rugby who have helped to make this agreement happen and I would also like to wish Mick all the very best in his retirement as CEO of Leinster Rugby. He leaves with an outstanding legacy.”
