Ulster Rugby vs Dragons

Managing Director, PRO12 Rugby Welcome

Ever since Connacht Rugby put a dazzling final touch on an historic Guinness PRO12 Championship campaign in May, the anticipation has been building towards the start of a truly special season. As we enter the 16th Championship season, everyone in our new team at the Guinness PRO12 have been working very hard to make sure this is our most memorable yet. Following our Fans Survey, we have been able to introduce a number of new initiatives. First and foremost, we have altered our fixture list, with regular ‘appointment-to-view’ games on Friday and Saturdays and removed Sunday fixtures which had proved unpopular.ƒ We have also introduced six ‘Big Weekends’ that focus on the rivalries and heritage that supporters cherish. We have also voted in new protocols that ensure that, where possible, Assistant Referees (AR1) and the Television Match OŠcial (TMO) are both neutral as a first step to developing a fully neutral match-oŠcial selection policy. In addition, we have already seen the impact that meritocracy has had on our Championship and now that every match counts we have added to that with our Super Saturday in Round 22, where local derbies will play a big part in deciding who qualifies for the semi-finals and the Champions Cup. Last week at our season launch we confirmed the 2016/17 Guinness PRO12 Final will be at Aviva Stadium, Dublin, on Saturday, May 27. And maintaining our ‘Fans First’ philosophy, we are rewarding supporters who book tickets to the Championship’s flagship event before January 2, 2017 the chance to save up to 20% on selected tickets.ƒ Anyone who was at BT Murrayfield for last season’s finale will tell you what a great day out it was, no matter what team you supported. I’m sure that Dublin will be no di˜erent, so be sure to book your ticket early. We are also delighted to have announced that Guinness will continue their title sponsorship for another four years, this is fantastic news for the Championship and something that enables us to build upon moving forward alongside our other existing partners Specsavers and Rhino Rugby. You may have also noticed that our website, PRO12Rugby.com has been given a lick of paint, and we have also introduced a new Guinness PRO12 Fantasy Rugby game – so be sure to sign up and play against your friends, there are some great prizes to be won. There are exciting times ahead for the Championship and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the sta˜, coaches and players at each club for their relentless work throughout the summer. And finally to you, the fans, for your continued support of the Guinness PRO12.ƒ Enjoy the season, Martin Anayi