Managing Director, PRO12 Rugby
Welcome
With 13 rounds played in the Guinness PRO12 it feels like we’ve
hardly had time to draw breath since the season began given all
of the excitement and drama that our clubs have provided.
For many of you this is your first taste of Guinness PRO12 action since
last month and since then our clubs have been busy setting records in
European action which is a great endorsement of the world-class talent that
exists in our tournament.
In the Champions Cup our clubs scored 131 tries, which was the most
scored compared to the other leagues and the most scored by clubs from
our Championship since 2005/06 – a stat made all the more impressive
because 11 years ago we had two more teams c ompeting in the
tournament.
In Munster Rugby, Leinster Rugby and Glasgow Warriors we have three
quarter-finalists – the most since the Champions Cup reformat – while I
have to congratulate Gregor Townsend and his players for making history
in reaching the knock-out stages for the first time.
Ospreys Rugby, Cardi Blues and Edinburgh Rugby have followed suit
by reaching the Challenge Cup quarter-finals and to see half our clubs
involved in the latter stages of Europe is a great credit to the levels of
competition they face in the Guinness PRO12.
Another milestone was also reached last Friday night when Edinburgh
Rugby welcomed Munster to Myreside as they begin a trial run at the
ground. The atmosphere was cracking and although Edinburgh missed out
on victory right at the end, I’m sure they will oer home and away fans a
very unique venue to watch rugby.
The rugby is of course the reason why our supporters choose to attend
games every weekend. Now that we’ve passed the halfway point of the
season it’s clear that try-scoring and positive play have been a big theme in
the Guinness PRO12. Our clubs have produced 386 tries already which has
us on course for a record-setting campaign.
What’s also really encouraging is the record low number of points scored
from penalties which shows that our coaches and players are more
interested in tries than pointing to the posts.
We’ve also seen a rise in broadcast viewers and attendances so never forget
that your support is invaluable. Behind the scenes at all our clubs and
within our own team at PRO12 Rugby we are all working hard to make sure
you enjoy a great day out every time you come to a game.
The competition to claim the Championship title ramping up with intensity
every week but you still have time to guarantee your place at the Guinness
PRO12 Final at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on May 27.
It promises to be an unmissable event and prices start at just €30. Ticket
sales have been incredibly strong so far and you can avoid missing out by
logging onto
www.ticketmaster.ieto get yours.
Enjoy the game,
Martin Anayi
www.
ULSTERRUGBY
.com
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