Dublin to host 2017 Pro12 Final
Aviva Stadium will provide the setting for the third Pro12 'Destination Final' following on from the successes of the previous deciders held in Belfast and Edinburgh in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
Speaking at the 2016/17 launch event at Aviva Stadium, Martin Anayi, Chief Executive of Pro12 Rugby, said: "After the successes of the finals hosted in Belfast and Edinburgh, Aviva Stadium will provide another grand stage that rewards clubs, players and fans from across the Championship.
"Since it's redevelopment in 2010, Aviva Stadium has fast become an iconic rugby arena and after a thrilling final at Murrayfield between Connacht and Leinster that set a new attendance record, it seems only right that we should try to raise the bar yet again here in Dublin."
Gerald Davies, Chairman of Pro12 Rugby, noted that the inventive style of play that the Championship prides itself on has been backed up by statistics gathered by World Rugby. The analysis showed that when it came to average ball in time play across the 2015/16 season, the Pro12 scored the highest when compared to all club and international tournaments, while the Championship also had the least amount of penalties conceded among the top leagues in Europe.
Davies said: "You only have to look at the adventurous styles from our two previous champions, Glasgow Warriors and Connacht, to see the positivity that exists within our coaches' rugby philosophies. It is also heart-warming to see future internationals and British & Irish Lions start their careers in our Championship as they stand side by side with the biggest names of our game."
