Leinster Rugby Announces Major Signings and Move to Aviva Stadium for 2023-24 Season

Leinster Rugby has announced several significant developments for the upcoming 2023-24 season, including high-profile player signings, upgrades to national contracts, and a temporary move to the Aviva Stadium during the redevelopment of their home ground, the RDS Arena.

The province has secured the services of New Zealand international Jordie Barrett, who will join Leinster on a six-month deal from December 2024 until the end of the 2024-25 season. Barrett, an All Blacks center, cited the opportunity to develop as a player and the prestige of the club as key factors in his decision. "I will remain in Europe after this year's northern tour and compete with the best teams in Europe and South Africa, aiming to come back a better rugby player and All Black," Barrett said.

Leinster has also signed former Munster player Tyler Bleyendaal, who will serve as the team's new attack coach, replacing Andrew Goodman. Additionally, several existing players have been upgraded to national contracts, with Jamison Gibson-Park increasing Leinster's allotment of national contracts to 10 for the next season.

Why this matters: Leinster's signings and player upgrades demonstrate their commitment to building a competitive team and ensuring they have the necessary resources to compete at the highest level. The move to the Aviva Stadium during the RDS Arena redevelopment also highlights the team's adaptability and the strong support from their fan base.

The RDS Arena is set to undergo a €50 million redevelopment, which will include the rebuilding of the Anglesea Stand. During this time, Leinster will play the majority of their matches at the Aviva Stadium, with some games also taking place at Croke Park. The team's Champions Cup semi-final match against Northampton Saints at Croke Park on May 4th has already sold out, with over 82,000 tickets purchased by eager supporters in just a few hours.

Leinster fans will have high expectations for the team during Barrett's spell, as the club has not won the Champions Cup since 2018 or the United Rugby Championship since 2021. The signing of Barrett is seen as another superb piece of business for Leinster, as he can play in multiple positions and brings a "warrior spirit" that will set an example for the team's younger players.

Key Takeaways

• Leinster signs NZ's Jordie Barrett on 6-month deal from Dec 2024 to 2025 season
• Leinster appoints former Munster player Tyler Bleyendaal as new attack coach
• Leinster upgrades 10 players to national contracts, including Jamison Gibson-Park
• Leinster to play at Aviva Stadium during €50M RDS Arena redevelopment
• Leinster fans have high expectations for team during Barrett's spell, seeking Champions Cup and URC titles