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Welcome back from the Christmas festivities and I would like to wish you all a
Happy New Year from the Guinness PRO12.
The Christmas and New Year games are a key period for clubs and fans of the
competition.
The Christmas derbies are a great feature of the Guinness PRO12 and today’s
game will be no exception. Both clubs have had notable wins in Europe but
both will want to improve their standing in the Guinness PRO12 table, so
there’s a lot at stake today.
It really is Guinness PRO12 business for all 12 of our clubs and they will
be 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 on Saturday 28th May
at BT Murrayfield in Edinburgh and also to seek European Champions Cup
qualification for next season.
Little separates many of the teams in the Guinness PRO12, and despite the
seasonal weather there are over four tries scored per match on average
- some great contests and entertainment lie ahead to light up the winter
evenings.
I would like to pay tribute to the work of the match officials this season and
wish them all the very best for the year ahead.
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 has a great rugby year ahead.