Dublin to host Pro12 final

Dublin's Aviva Stadium has been confirmed as the host venue for the 2017 Pro12 final.

The showpiece fixture has been held in the capital of the Republic of Ireland on four previous occasions, although each of those matches were played at Leinster's RDS Arena.

Pro12 shifted to hosting the final at a neutral venue in 2014, with last year's match between Connacht and Leinster at Murrayfield drawing a record crowd of 34,550.

"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," said Pro12 managing director Martin Anayi.

"Since its redevelopment in 2010, Aviva Stadium has fast become an iconic rugby arena and after a thrilling final at BT Murrayfield between Connacht Rugby and Leinster Rugby that set a new attendance record, it seems only right that we should try to raise the bar yet again here in Dublin."

It was also announced that Guinness would continue its title sponsorship of the competition, signing a new four-year deal.