rugby'>Leinster Rugby has submitted proposals for the €26m (£22m, US$29m) redevelopment of its home RDS Arena.

The three-time European champion has applied for planning permission from Dublin City Council to increase the capacity of the stadium from 18,500 to 21,000, while improving the visitor facilities within the Anglesea stand.

Dublin studio Newenham Mulligan and London-based architects Grimshaw have been selected to create the design concept.

Redevelopment work will not only have to satisfy the requirement for rugby, but also the Dublin Horse Show and other commercial considerations of the stadium. The ground also has the capacity to host 35,000 people for music concerts.

Michael Duffy, chief executive of the RDS, said meeting the design requirements was “a complex and challenging task”. The RDS will be solely responsible for financing and managing the project.

“This has taken a huge amount of work from all concerned and the RDS has gone about it the right way,” said Leinster Rugby chief executive Mick Dawson. “It is great to be able to take that next step, and welcome news for all involved with Leinster Rugby.”