Views differ on name game

What will they call L:ansdowne Road?

Victor Costello

Former international, TV3 analyst

It's like the switch from amateur to professionalism in many ways. Many people felt the change would have negative connotations but in fact it vastly improved the game and I'd see the positives in this as well. The IRFU have managed the game well since the advent of professionalism and I'm sure that is their primary motive.

Philip Matthews

Former international, TV3 commentator

Needs must be met. Look at the Scottish rugby union and Murrayfield. It has been a noose around their neck. If it means the financial burden is lessened and the money is pumped back into rugby, well, that's the commercial reality of professional sport.

I was at the World Cup in 2003 when Ireland played Australia in the Telstra Dome. I'd be pragmatic about it as a small country like Ireland must utilise sponsorship. Anyway, it will be a long time before people stop calling it Lansdowne Road.

Peter McKenna

Stadium Director of Croke Park

"It's something we took a cursory look at but our stands are named after the influential people who are responsible for Croke Park so the naming rights are done.

We are currently going through a new sponsorship model anyway but naming rights in Croke Park are a far different proposition.

Sponsors want a whole series of other things.

Brian Kerr

Director of Football, St Patrick's Athletic

"I think Irish people will still refer to it as Lansdowne Road. Remember we all accepted the idea it was going to be Eircom Park. The difference was there was nothing there before. That's why Arsenal's stadium was accepted easier.

It's disappointing but it's a reality of modern professional sport that these things happen.

Ruairí Quinn

Labour TD

Lansdowne Road is our national stadium, it is the oldest international rugby stadium in the world and deserves to preserve its famous name which is recognised all over the world. To sell out the name would greatly disrespect the heroes of Irish sport who represented our nation with great pride in such a famous venue.