A touchy topic.
The Sunday Independent have reported that the IRFU have purchased a €1m two-bed house beside the Aviva Stadium.
The property is in Havelock Square, which is situated behind the small north stand of the stadium, which could not be expanded due to planning permission.
It is the ninth house bought by the IRFU in Havelock Square, which has 40 homes in total.
The IRFU have defended the purchasing and renting of the properties, saying: “The IRFU has, for many years, taken a strategic approach to property. The union has been buying properties in the area around the vicinity of the stadium since the 1930s, primarily to secure the boundary of the stadium.”
IRFU CEO Kevin Potts also addressed speculation as to whether the properties were being bought up with plans to expand the north stand.
He said: “No, no. I guess we’d all like to see it increase, but I don’t think that’s viable for all sorts of planning reasons.”
Fans have disagreed on social media over the actions of rugby’s governing body.
Mark – did the IRFU ever pay the Irish tax payer back for the bailout they got during Covid?
— Adam Moursy (@adammoursy) November 30, 2025
Surely they should be making a contribution back if not. They must be in a strong financial position if they are making purchases like this!
I can only assume it’s to eventually replace the ridiculous small end, the most farcical stand I can think of in football. If that’s the reason then it’s good to read about this.
— Vincent (@Vincent32418497) November 30, 2025
If it’s part of the street behind the low stand then they intend purchasing all those properties and rising that end of the ground maybe 🤔
— Flann Carroll (@carroll_fla) November 30, 2025
Nothing like a sporting organization beating out a family on a two bedroom home.
— DLS Media (@DLSportingMedia) November 30, 2025
Sums up rugby as a sport.
Can’t afford to fund the entire men’s 7’s programme, but for the same price can afford to invest in more D4 property…
— Gerard (@Gerard26956480) November 30, 2025
