Croke Park in line for massive Leinster games after crucial GAA vote

GAA headquarters could host the United Rugby Championship Final, and a Champions Cup semi-final.

The Aviva Stadium is to undergo upgrade works, over the coming months, meaning Leinster must make contingency plans as they pursue trophies on dual fronts.

There was what The Irish Examiner reports as 'a robust debate' at a Central Council meeting about whether to accept a policy change, to allow rugby and soccer games at Croke Park, over the summer months, or hold further discussions on the matter.

The vote was split at 50% but Jarlath Burns, the new GAA president, voted in favour of the change.

Croke Park and Nowlan Park to host rugby matches

Croke Park, then, is in line to host Leinster's Champions Cup quarter- and semi-finals, should the four-time European champions reach that stage of the competition. Next up for Leinster, at Aviva Stadium, is a Last 16 tie against Leicester Tigers.

Leinster currently lead the URC standings and Croke Park would come into play if Leinster reach the knock-out stages. They should do that, and be seeded high, so there may be URC quarters, semis and a final at Croker.

As well as Croke Park, Nowlan Park in Kilkenny will also host a Leinster URC game, later this year.

WATCH HOUSE OF RUGBY, WITH LINDSAY PEAT & JOHNE MURPHY

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