IT MAY HAVE been the worst-kept secret in Irish sporting circles, but we still had to wait for the official confirmation, didn’t we?
That came this morning when ERC Chairman Derek McGrath called a press conference at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium to confirm that the Lansdowne Road venue will host the final of European rugby’s premier club competition, the Heineken Cup, in 2013.
The Heineken Cup Final was last hosted in Dublin 4 when Toulouse beat Perpignan on a scoreline of 22-17 in 2003. It had been heavily touted as a potential venue for this year’s final but was overlooked in favour of Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium amid fears that it would not be ready for use just three days after hosting football’s Europa League Final.
This time around, there were no such concerns and so, ten years on, the competition will return to Irish soil for the climax of its 18th edition, much to the delight of both the IRFU and the country’s tourism industry.
“The Aviva Stadium is a world class venue which has quickly established a close affinity with the Heineken Cup having staged three matches last season, including two magnificent knockout games,” said McGrath earlier today.
“The decision of the ERC Board to bring the Heineken Cup final back to Dublin for the first time since 2003 is further recognition of the passion that Irish fans have for the tournament and we are confident that our showpiece game in 2013 will be another landmark occasion in the history of Irish rugby and sport.”
IRFU chief executive Philip Browne also welcomed the decision at this morning’s press conference, highlighting the strong financial contribution which the game of rugby makes to the Irish economy.
It is estimated that rugby contributes over €200m to the Irish economy, and the recent Ireland-England Six Nations game generated just over €51m to the Dublin economy.
“While the financial benefits are particularly strong, the prestige and exposure for the game in this country are just as powerful, and in hosting the first Heineken Cup final since 2003, I am sure that Irish rugby and the city of Dublin will deliver yet another memorable occasion.”
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar was among those present at this morning’s announcement, saying: ”I have no doubt that our proud sporting heritage, our knowledgeable and enthusiastic fan base, and our proven ability to successfully host major sporting events will guarantee a Heineken Cup final to remember.
I believe that being afforded the privilege of hosting a Heineken Cup final in 2013 will be a fitting tribute to all those who have worked so diligently and so imaginatively to bring Irish rugby to its current level of success.
