Leinster rugby play their first match back in the RDS, in the newly refurbished Laya Arena, against Cardiff on Saturday, October 10.

Leinster Rugby has moved home after an extensive refurbishment of the RDS arena, newly named Laya Arena.

The Pat Kenny Show broadcast from the RDS to mark the occasion ahead of the team's first match back later on this evening.

When speaking to the CEO of Leinster Rugby, Shane Nolan, it was revealed that the team is two years into a 25-year lease, and there were some changes made during the refurbishments.

So what's new?

The newly refurbished Laya Arena at the RDS Pic: Newstalk

For starters, the capacity has increated, the Anglesey stand has been revamped, and there are some standing areas for fans to get closer to the action.

Mr Nolan shared: "We moved out of the RDS two and a half years ago, so tonight we play our first competitive game and we're all so excited to be back.

"The new capacity of the arena is 20,600. When we left, it was just north of 18,000, so an extra 2,000 seats.

The newly refurbished Laya Arena at the RDS Pic: Newstalk

"If you remember the old Anglesey stand, it was quite old, and while fans loved it, nearly every seat had a restricted view; that the old kind of pillars, stanchions, etc.

"That's all removed, so every seat now is a full 100% view. We [also] have terraces in the Anglesey stand at the front.

"We have room for 1,200 people, which is it's really, really important for us because the old stand we had had room for 1,200 standing people and they are boisterous, loyal, brilliant fans.

The newly refurbished Laya Arena at the RDS Pic: Newstalk

"We wanted to make sure that they were accommodated in the new, very modern stand. But we still have those terraces. They're right on the touchline. So you literally can touch the players.

"Every money we make is invested back into the game, but we work really hard.

"Today is such a big moment for us because moving back into our home arena means we can really give a fan experience and fill our stadium."

Leinster v Cardiff kicks off at 7:45pm on TG4.

Main image: The newly refurbished Laya Arena at the RDS Pic: Newstalk