THE final of the 2016/17 Guinness Pro 12 season will be staged at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Last season the league reached a climax at Murrayfield in Edinburgh, where Connacht defeated Leinster 20-10 to win their first title in an all-Irish clash.

It was announced on Tuesday that the new season will culminate in Ireland's national stadium, which will also host international matches against France and England in next year's Six Nations.

Read more: Grant Gilchrist and Stuart McInally named as Edinburgh Rugby co-captains for 2016/17 season

The format of the league, which consists of teams from Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Italy, means that the top four qualify for play-offs at the end of the season. Glasgow Times: Inspirational Connacht filled the Pro12 Grand Final with joy, if not all the seats

Glasgow Warriors were beaten in the semi-finals in 2015/16, a year after winning their first ever league title, while Edinburgh Rugby finished in ninth place.

“After the successes of the finals hosted in Belfast and Edinburgh, Aviva Stadium will provide another grand stage that rewards clubs, players and fans from across the Championship," said Pro 12 managing director Martin Anayi.

“Since its redevelopment in 2010, Aviva Stadium has fast become an iconic rugby arena and after a thrilling final at BT Murrayfield between Connacht Rugby and Leinster Rugby that set a new attendance record, it seems only right that we should try to raise the bar yet again here in Dublin.

“Sponsors like Guinness also appreciate that we have a ‘Fan First’ philosophy and that is why we have put on an Early Bird offer – where fans can save up to 20% on selected tickets – to reward supporters who want to book their place at the final on May 27.”

Pro 12 Rugby also announced on Tuesday that Guinness will remain the title sponsor of the league for another four years until 2020, continuing a partnership that began two years ago.