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Welcome to Round 5 of the Guinness PRO12
Firstly, may I say what another great weekend of rugby that was with unfortunately three of
our four PRO12 countries narrowly losing out in the quarter–finals at the Rugby World Cup.
Italy have also ensured automatic qualification for RWC 2019 in Japan. The Guinness PRO12
had more representation in RWC 2015 than any other club competition with 106 players
representing 10 countries participating, all these stars will be back with their clubs soon now
that their RWC duties are done but they have helped ignite an excellent Rugby World Cup.
Ulster’s Ruan Pienaar is still on RWC duty and we wish him well in tomorrow’s semi-final vs
New Zealand.
We have another great season of rugby ahead and the Guinness PRO12 will continue its
year-on-year growth and development. All teams can now target and look forward to this
season’s Guinness PRO12 Final at BT Murrayfield in Edinburgh on Saturday 28th May 2016,
one of rugby fans’ top destinations! Tickets are now on public sale and the demand is
excellent.
Our partnership with Guinness has been an unqualified success both on and off the park.
The continued support of our other partners Specsavers and Rhino Rugby is also recognised
as a key component in our growth as a competition.
We again thank our very strong suite of broadcasters, our newest broadcast partner Sky
Sports together with BBC - Alba, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, S4C, TG4 and Rai Sport
in Italy.
Today’s game will see Ulster trying to maintain their winning home record and move
further up the table. Their Kingspan Stadium fixture against Cardiff Blues is always close
and entertaining as the men of Cardiff like to run the ball a lot too, so there should be lots of
exciting rugby tonight – enjoy!
We acknowledge the excellent work of all of our match officials and disciplinary officers and
wish them all well for Round 5 and the season ahead.
The ongoing support of the media in promoting our sport and our competition is key to the
development of the Guinness PRO12 and we look forward to continuing and enhancing our
work together.
To you the fans, we extend a very warm welcome back to Round 5 in the Guinness PRO12,
your support of your club is key.
Have a great weekend of rugby!