Leinster look to restore their home fortress against Cardiff

It’s entirely fitting that Cardiff are the visitors to the refurbished, rebranded Laya Arena, given the Blues provided the opposition when Leinster took their first tentative steps into their new home at the RDS over two decades ago.

Almost 21 years ago to the day – October 15th, 2005 – Leinster hosted Cardiff in a televised Celtic League match in the showjumping arena. The then Leinster CEO Mick Dawson and head of commercial and marketing Conor Hanratty had realised that the province had simply outgrown Donnybrook, with its 7,000 capacity, and a pitch churned up by hosting Bective Rangers, Old Wesley and Leinster schools matches.