The RDS has been renamed as the Laya Arena following its €52million redevelopment programme.
Laya healthcare announced the ‘landmark naming rights’ deal with the RDS and Leinster Rugby on Tuesday afternoon.
The new agreement ushers in ‘a vibrant new era for the city’s premier multi-purpose venue’.
The Laya Arena now boasts a capacity of over 20,000 following the massive redevelopment of the Anglesea Stand and the Grandstand.
It is set to reopen next year, with the Dublin Horse Show being the Laya Arena’s first major event in August 2026.
The Laya Arena will be Dublin’s ‘premier destination for sport, music and live entertainment’.
The announcement was celebrated in a special event held in the Laya Arena’s new dressing rooms, with a stellar line-up of rugby greats, including: Johnny Sexton, Linda Djougang and Garry Ringrose.
The new Anglesea Stand boasts ‘sharper sightlines and smarter design, enhancing the viewing experience and bringing fans closer to the action’.
The redeveloped Arena also harnesses clean energy from a new solar energy generation system installed on the roof of the Anglesea Stand.
DO O’Connor, Laya healthcare’s Managing Director, stated: ‘Today is a landmark moment for Laya healthcare – one of the biggest sponsorship investments in our 25-year history, and a powerful statement about our future now that we are part of AXA.
‘Laya Arena brings us closer to the action, closer to our members, and closer to the communities we serve.
‘It deepens our long-term connection with rugby while opening the door to incredible shared experiences in sport, music and culture – all with connection and well-being at their core.’
Leinster Rugby’s agreement to use the ground now stretches up to 2047.
Leinster CEO Shane Nolan remarked: ‘This is a hugely significant day for Leinster Rugby as we move ever closer to a return to the RDS, our home stadium since 2007 and, indeed, for many years ahead.’
RDS CEO Paul Kelly also added: ‘The RDS has been a cornerstone of Irish life for centuries, and with Laya Arena, we are embarking on an exciting new chapter.
‘This partnership provides an important commercial contribution needed to close the funding gap for the Anglesea Stand reconstruction.
‘This allows us to ensure the venue’s long-term sustainability and cultural relevance while delivering a modern, future-proofed and accessible experience.’
