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Welcome back to Round 9 of the Guinness PRO12 Championship
This weekend we are over one third of the way through the 2015/16 season and we
are delighted that already a very exciting Guinness PRO12 is building up. Only 6 points
separate the top 5 clubs and only 10 points separate the bottom 5 clubs as we go into
the Christmas fixtures.
We are delighted that after the Round 8 games, we have 202 tries scored – the highest
ever at this stage of the Championship. So lots of tries and excitement to enjoy both in
the stadiums and on TV screens.
In addition, 26 of the games played so far, including again four out of six in Round 8, have
ended with a losing bonus point, the best ever recorded at this stage of the season. Every
game counts in the build up to our Semi-finals & Final and qualification for the European
Champions Cup !
We have excellent commercial partners with Guinness, Rhino and Specsavers and these
complement our top class broadcast coverage from our TV partners – Sky Sports, BBC
Alba, BBC Northern Ireland, BBC Wales, Rai sport, S4C and TG4.
We had a record 1.1 m views on our YouTube channel last month alone and our social
media platforms are engaging more & more fans as the season progresses.
Now in its 15th year, the Guinness PRO12 will continue its year-on-year growth and
development. Tickets are already selling fast for the showpiece 2016 Guinness PRO12
Final at BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh on Saturday 28th May. We would encourage all fans
to enjoy the unique rugby weekend in Edinburgh, renowned as one of the world’s top
rugby destinations.
This evening’s game between Ulster and Edinburgh is one of the best fixtures in the
Guinness PRO12 and is always full of excitement and endeavour. Both sides will be trying
to improve their Guinness PRO12 table positions and there is usually some terrific tries.
All in all a match to really look forward to.
We acknowledge the excellent work of all of our match officials and disciplinary officers
this year and wish them well for Round 9 and for the matches ahead in 2016.
To you the fans we extend a warm welcome back to Kingspan Stadium in Round 9 of the
Guinness PRO12, your committed support of your club is key and is greatly appreciated.
The Christmas and New Year derbies are fast approaching too so lots of great rugby and
good cheer ahead.
I hope you have an enjoyable weekend of rugby, a great two weeks in Europe and a very
Happy Christmas season!