Rugby fans will not be allowed to drink alcohol at their seats during Leinster’s European Champions Cup semifinal at Croke Park next month.

Organisers have confirmed that they will be “respecting the GAA’s rules” around alcohol during the crunch tie against Northampton Saints on May 4th.

While rugby fans are used to drinking at their seats during fixtures at the Aviva Stadium and elsewhere, GAA fans are generally only permitted alcohol at the stadium bar.

Tournament organisers European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) have now confirmed to Newstalk that they will be following GAA rules at Croke Park.

“EPCR will be respecting the GAA's rules and regulations regarding alcohol consumption in the stadium bowl for the Investec Champions Cup semi-final between Leinster Rugby and Northampton Saints at Croke Park on May 4th,” said a spokesperson.

In recent years year, the IRFU considered banning the sale of alcohol during matches at the Aviva stadium amid concerns over the atmosphere at some rugby matches.

The Irish Times rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley has been vocal about the need to ban beer at games – warning that recent years have seen a “flat” atmosphere at many fixtures.

He has warned that the lack of atmosphere can hamper the team’s fortunes – with the “fantastic” fans in France often pushing their team on to glory.

Following a survey of fans in January 2023, the IRFU took the decision to continue selling alcohol during games.