Ulster Rugby v Southern Kings

As we return to Guinness PRO14 action, it could not be any more fitting that we are hosting two Welsh derbies in Round 18, fresh fromWales’ Grand Slam success in the Guinness Six Nations. It’s a phenomenal achievement by Warren Gatland to claim his third Grand Slam as coach of Wales in 11 years, and the country’s fourth in 14 years. I can’t claim to speak much Welsh, but clearly Llongyfarchiadau is in order! On a wider note it also marks two successive Grand Slams for Guinness PRO14 unions with six of the previous eight Six Nations titles being shared between Ireland and Wales. That’s a pretty good pulse check of their playing strength and even though Ireland are looking off form now, the World Cup looks like it will be more competitive than ever. It’s also pleasing to hear that many of the stars of Wales’ Six Nations campaign will be back in action this weekend for our two Welsh derbies in Cardiff and Swansea. The Six Nations and Triple Crown trophies are expected to be on show and hopefully some of our regional fans might get a glimpse of the Guinness PRO14 trophy by the end of May with Cardiff Blues, Ospreys and Scarlets all competing for a place in the Final Series. The good news fromWales has been quite relentless, too. Scarlets have re-signed Ken Owens, Jon Davies and Rob Evans, Cardiff Blues are bringing Josh Adams back to his homeland and Ospreys have ensured their breakout star Luke Morgan is on board for another two seasons. Speaking of the Final Series, I’m pleased to say that Dacia have signed up as the Official Car Partner for the Guinness PRO14 Final Series. It’s just another piece of good news on the commercial front that points to the health and interest in the Championship which bodes well for the future. The race for the Final Series itself shows no sign of letting up with 10 teams fighting to join Leinster in the knock-out stages. Our defending champions showed their muscle by claiming a home Semi-Final with their recent win over the Toyota Cheetahs and it’s going to take a serious effort by any team to wrestle this trophy away from them. With only four rounds left almost every game looks like a must-win encounter. A loss for either Cardiff Blues or Scarlets in their derby could have serious repercussions for their title ambitions while Connacht and Benetton have it all to play for in Galway with both chasing a Final Series berth from their respective conferences. I’m especially looking forward to the return of some of our more recently heralded talents in the Guinness PRO14 who have launched themselves into the Test arena during the Six Nations. Yes, our teams are stocked with rock stars, but it’s so pleasing to see the next generation taking their chances in their national colours. Connacht’s Jack Carty, Wales’ Adam Beard, Scotland’s Darcy Graham have impressed in addition to the Italian quartet of Dave Sisi, Federico Ruzza, Marco Zanon and Sebastian Negri. They certainly top the bill for our #PRO14PROUD campaign on social media and they will continue to build on their reputations in the Championship. Of course, with so many teams still in contention for the knock-out stages the Guinness PRO14 Final is coming up into view at Celtic Park on May 25. Without even making a tackle you can guarantee your place by going direct to bit.ly/glasgow2019 to get your tickets. The Guinness PRO14 Final has become a great event for supporters of all our clubs and if you fancy treating yourself, or perhaps surprising that passionate rugby fan in your life, then a trip to Celtic Park on May 25 should do the trick! Enjoy the game, Martin Anayi Chief Executive Officer