RUGBY: One of the ripple effects in the fall-out from the Government climbdown on the proposed National Stadium is that Lansdowne Road is less likely to become an alternative home for Leinster as a redeveloped, smaller all-seat stadium. In that light therefore, it has strengthened the Leinster Branch's resolve to upgrade Donnybrook into a 11,500-capacity ground.
The first of the many painstaking steps toward that ambition has concluded with the decision by Bective Rangers at a recent e.g.m. to agree to the Branch proposals wherein they would relocate from their current clubhouse at the ground to a newly built one.
According to Branch chief executive Mick Dawson, Leinster and Bective rugby club "are in negotiations over heads of agreement". The rugby club has also reached agreement with Bective Lawn Tennis club, who have indicated a willingness to accept the Branch's proposals and will make a decision at an e.g.m.
The €13-€14 million development will be fully funded by the construction of new, on-site apartments.
"The Leinster Branch cannot fund this development ourselves and the IRFU are less likely to look favourably on us after the events of this week, but no matter what happens to Lansdowne Road we owe it to schools rugby, youth rugby and the Leinster senior team to complete this project," said Dawson.
