Leinster v Scarlets: United Rugby Championship

Friday night rugby at the Aviva. There are few better ways to start your weekend in Dublin. Leinster welcome Scarlets to Lansdowne Road in the United Rugby Championship, and with the business end of the season approaching, every point matters for Leo Cullen’s side.

What to Expect

Leinster at home in the Aviva is always a class act. The team has been building momentum through the URC this season, and the home form at Lansdowne Road has been strong. Scarlets will travel from Wales looking to cause an upset, but Leinster’s depth of talent, with international stars returning from Six Nations duty, should make for an entertaining evening of attacking rugby.

The Aviva is a brilliant venue for Friday night sport. There’s a buzz around Ballsbridge on match nights, with the pubs on Baggot Street and around Lansdowne filling up from late afternoon. Inside the ground, the atmosphere builds steadily and by the second half, when the game is in the balance, the noise is serious. Leinster fans know their rugby and appreciate the finer points, but they also know how to get behind the team when it counts.

Good to Know

Kick-off is at 7:45pm, with gates opening at 5:45pm. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and the Leinster Rugby website, starting from around €25 for adult tickets, which is great value for live professional rugby. The stadium is fully cashless. There are food and drink outlets throughout the ground, and the selections have improved significantly in recent seasons. It’s a family-friendly event and a great one to bring young rugby fans to.

Getting There

Lansdowne Road DART station is literally beside the Aviva. You couldn’t be closer to a ground if you tried. From the city centre, it’s a 25-minute walk along the Grand Canal or through Ballsbridge. Dublin Bus routes 4, 7, and 18 pass nearby. Street parking in the surrounding area is restricted on match nights, so public transport is the way to go. The DART home after the match is quick and easy, with trains running until late.