When Leinster hung on in their intense Guinness PRO14 semi-final against Munster - despite constant pressure in the dying minutes from their opponents leading to a late try - it guaranteed a Dublin final for the men in blue. It sets up an enticing tie with reigning champs Scarlets, the team Leinster trounced in the European Champions Cup semi-final, who will be out for revenge as well as a shot at retaining their crown.
It means this year's Guinness PRO14 final should prove to have everything you could hope for in a showpiece final: genuine rivalry, captivating narrative, world class players taking to the field and, of course, an Irish side chasing a remarkable double.
The sporting public's attention will be captured this Saturday, but for rugby fans, the Aviva won't be the only place to experience the action.
Not Your Average Fanzone
In tandem with the massive game in store, the Guinness PRO14 Dublin 7s - you can buy tickets HERE - will be hosting a brilliant sevens tournament open to the public, just in case you wanted to get a game of ball in rather than just watch the action from the comfort of your couch this weekend. Since its launch in 2015, the Dublin 7s is established as one of the most enjoyable rugby/social events in the country.
There are four categories -- men's social, mixed tag, women's open and men's open -- meaning there should be something for everyone. No experience needed: all you have to bring is your playing gear and a willingness to have fun. If that sounds like your kind of jam, you can register to play now!
On top of that there will be several international sides on show in the sevens' tournament, making it a true festival of rugby. For these players it's not just a couple days of fun, but a big stepping stone in their development and the road to the Olympic Games. Tadgh Beirne, Alex Wooton and Adam Byrne have all graduated from sevens game to the professional ranks.
Harry McNulty, member of Ireland's sevens squad, called it a"dream" to pull on the green jersey in front of an Irish crowd, adding that it was "an incredible day of rugby with an atmosphere to match."
There'll be no messing next weekend!
Joy Neville will be holding the whistle for Guinness PRO14 Dublin 7s! Sharp eyes on a whole day of live rugby before the Guinness PRO14 Final! @PRO14Official #Dublin7sFanzone @IrishRugby
Grab your Tickets soon: https://t.co/UWlloCDMmV pic.twitter.com/gUisSsdW0R— Dublin 7s (@Dublin7sFest) May 21, 2018
What if chucking a ball about isn't your thing? Well, there'll be plenty more to look forward, as there's going to be a mini food village and a music festival featuring the likes of The Blizzards (featuring Bressie) and the legendary Mark McCabe banging out tunes like this:
On top of that, Noggin Sport will be onsite selling a range of merchandise. The company is dedicated to raising awareness of mental health and mental illness in sport through their unique head-wear range. Noggin Sport are a community interest company, where the profits they make go straight into supporting mental health awareness projects across the UK and Ireland, so you will be supporting a tremendous cause by buying one of their great products.
When's Kick-Off?
The party gets started on May 25th and continues into the 26th, the day of the final itself at Old Belvedere Rugby Football Club with tickets costing €20. Twenty Euro, folks. I've had dinners that cost more. For that price you're getting a great day out featuring great food and drink, live music and competitive rugby action.
Friday the 25th will also see music and entertainment from 6 pm all the way up until 1 am, so you can truly make a night of it.
You'll find all the info you need to attend here.
