Ulster Rugby v Munster

The warmest of wishes to everyone making the Guinness PRO14 part of their festive activities with Christmas and New Year’s upon us. It is natural at this time of the year to take stock be grateful for what we have and make plans for bigger and brighter goals in the coming year. Rugby is, and hopefully always will be, an integral part of the festive season at all levels of the game. Whether you’re at your local community club or at a Guinness PRO14 game, right now is a great chance to catch up with friends and family. With so many people coming home around Christmas and New Year’s it is the perfect opportunity for a full slate of derby games which produce such vibrant atmospheres across the Championship. Rounds 11 and 12 will see the local rivalries ignite across Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales while our South African sides take their break to avoid playing in the high temperatures of the South African summer. And while those of us in the stands or watching from the comfort of our living rooms enjoy all the trimmings that come with the festive season, spare a thought for the players you’re roaring on. It’s been a high-pressure period for so many of them having navigated the international window in November, the back-to-back weekends in Europe and now a steady run of full-blooded derbies in the Guinness PRO14. The derbies add so much to the Championship and create so many storylines year after year. Last season Jordan Larmour made a name for himself at Thomond Park, Edinburgh took on an unbeaten GlasgowWarriors team and scored a stunning victory and back in 2015 we saw two Welsh derbies in one weekend both settled by a single point. The Italian derbies are also becoming more hard-fought each season, but I’m particularly looking forward to catching the action from their second clash ahead of New Year’s when Benetton welcome Zebre to the newly renovated Stadio Monigo – a game that should draw a bumper crowd to test out the new facilities. As we look back at another year of great progress for the Championship, we’re aiming to step it up again in 2019 as we aim to build an elite tournament for the teams that mean so much to all of you. I hope that you truly enjoy the games across this festive season and if you’re not one of our regulars I trust your experience at any of our clubs will be enough to tempt you back more often. Naturally, the excitement and warm-weather atmosphere of the Guinness PRO14 Final might seem a long way away, but every team in the tournament is dreaming of winning the trophy at Celtic Park on May 25. However, without even making a tackle you can guarantee your place by going direct to bit.ly/ glasgow2019 to get your tickets. The Guinness PRO14 Final has become a great event for supporters of all our clubs and if you fancy treating yourself, or perhaps picking up a belated present for that passionate rugby fan in your life, then a trip to Celtic Park on May 25 should do the trick! Warmest wishes to you, your families and your friends, Martin Anayi Chief Executive Officer