New NI stadium could host international rugby

International rugby matches could be staged on the site of the former Maze Prison, the sport’s governing body in Ireland signalled today.

The Irish Rugby Football Union held out the prospect after giving its backing in principle to the British government’s plan for a new 42,500 seater multi-purpose sports stadium in Northern Ireland.

A statement from the IRFU and the Ulster branch said: “The IRFU supports in principle the concept of a Multi-Sports Stadium in Northern Ireland.

“Subject to a satisfactory resolution of all legal, financial and practical matters between the relevant stakeholders, the IRFU also supports the concept of certain Ireland A international matches being played there and would also agree to staging certain full international matches at the stadium from time to time.

“Likewise, Ulster Rugby, whilst regarding Ravenhill as its current and future home, is agreed in principle to the concept of a Multi-Sport Stadium subject to all material and consequential matters being satisfactorily resolved.”

Northern Ireland Office Sports Minster David Hanson had insisted the support of soccer, rugby and Gaelic games was vital if the Government’s dream of a state-of-the-art £85 million stadium was to be realised.