IRFU Answer Ireland’s Call On Big Weekend For Rugby
The Irish Rugby Football Union today called on Irish rugby fans to answer Ireland’s call by gathering in Dublin this weekend to enjoy the party atmosphere which will be created for the 70,000 lucky fans with tickets for the Amlin Challenge Cup and Heineken Cup finals.
Rugby fans are encouraged to soak up the atmosphere around the RDS on Friday night, as Leinster welcome Stade Francais to their home ground, and to join the rugby family in the Champions Village – from 12pm Saturday – on Merrion Square where a carnival atmosphere is guaranteed with live music, games and a big screen broadcast of the Heineken Cup final between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon from the Aviva Stadium.
IRFU Director of Communications Stephen McNamara said: “In securing this festival of European rugby for Dublin the IRFU also delivered one of the largest events to take place in the year of the Gathering.
“With over 70,000 fans attending the finals and many thousands more expected to soak up the sights and sounds of one of rugby’s greatest sporting weekends, there is sure to be a carnival atmosphere for all the family to enjoy.
“The windfall for the economy of big sporting weekends should never be overlooked, as rugby and sport continues to deliver for Irish business and Irish jobs.
“The 22,000 visiting fans are expected to spend over €;21 million, but the full economic benefit is sure to be a multiple of that when the repeat visits are factored in and Irish fans get behind this weekend of top class rugby.”