Ulster Rugby vs Cardiff Blues

Chief Executive’s

Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome back to Round 18 of the Guinness PRO12 ! There’s another feast of rugby this weekend which we hope you enjoy ! Last weekend saw a feast of tries on ‘Super Saturday’ in the RBS 6 Nations which led to a dramatic finale and congratulations to Ireland on retaining their title ! Both Ulster and Cardiff Blues will want a win and another notable performance this weekend as Ulster aim to retain their top two table position and guarantee home advantage in the Play Offs. The Blues will want revenge on their loss to Ulster in Cardiff last September, to build on their most recent last minute win over Connacht and move up the table into European Champions Cup contention. Both teams will be trying to earn those priceless winning points here this evening as we’re now at the business end of the season with only 5 matches left in the league section. Only 2 points separated these sides back in September so it could be a close affair. The Scarlets v Edinburgh match tomorrow will see the continuation of the Guinness PRO12 trials of the Hawk-Eye technology system with the support of SKY Sports. These results will no doubt assist player welfare and match officiating going forward, maybe into the Rugby World Cup later this year, and we are delighted to facilitate World Rugby in this exciting new development. This weekend, it really is Guinness PRO12 business for all 12 of our clubs as they are looking at moving up the ladder to be in the top four, for a chance to compete in the Play-Offs and Final of our competition next May and also to seek European Champions Cup qualification for next season. Fans of both these teams have already bought tickets to this year’s Final here at Kingspan Stadium, Belfast on Saturday May 30th 2015 at 6.30pm. Tickets are selling extremely well with just over 1,000 left for general sale and we would encourage fans of all 12 clubs to purchase their tickets for what promises to be a fantastic rugby weekend and occasion for the Guinness PRO12 here in Belfast. After Round 17, there are only 8 points between our top 5 teams but, in fact, little separates many of the teams in the Guinness PRO12. Despite the seasonal weather there are just over 4 tries scored per match on average so lots of good entertainment and lots to play for ! I would like to pay tribute to the work of the match officials this season and wish them all the very best for these Round 18 fixtures and the rest of the season. Finally and most importantly, I would like to acknowledge the contribution of all our clubs, partners, all our broadcasters & media and you the supporters, who ensure all 12 clubs and the competition have fantastic support throughout the season. Enjoy the game and I hope everyone revels in another great rugby weekend !

PRO12RUGBY.COM