The RaboDirect PRO12 is in line to record its best ever attendances since the competition changed to a home and away format ten seasons ago.
rabodirectpro12
Crowds broke through the one million mark in round 21 last weekend, a full round earlier than last season, and with seven games still to play (including the rearranged Benetton Treviso v Connacht game) ticket sales amongst the twelve participating teams have increased by 4.9% compared to this point last year.RaboDirect PRO12 Tournament Director, David Jordan, commented: “this is the third season in a row that ticket sales have broken the one million mark, and each year we are reaching that landmark earlier in the competition.”
“The tournament has seen have seen average gates grow year on year since the inclusion of the Italian teams in 2010/11, a testament to both the rugby on offer in all four Unions that participate in the RaboDirect PRO12, and to the fans’ commitment to their teams.
“We have a mouthwatering final round of games yet to come, with five teams still in with a realistic chance of making the top four, and three battling it out to try and secure home advantage in the Play-Offs, it will be a nerve-racking end to the regular season.”
The broadcast schedule for final round of games on Friday 3 May can now be confirmed:
- Connacht v Glasgow Warriors at the Sportsground, 19:45 – RTE / BBC ALBA
- Leinster v Ospreys at RDS, Dublin, 19:45 – TG4 / S4C
- Scarlets v Benetton Treviso at Parc y Scarlets, 19:45 – BBC W
- Ulster v Cardiff Blues at Ravenhill, 19:45 – BBC NI
- Zebre v Munster at Stadio XXV Aprile, 19:45 local time – SPORT ITALIA
- Edinburgh Rugby v Newport Gwent Dragons at Murrayfield, 19:45 – not live
The order of the RaboDirect Play-Offs can also now be confirmed:
- Play-Off 1 (1st v 4th) will take place on Friday 10th May at 7.45pm (UK & Ireland, 8:45 Italy)
- Play-Off 2 (2nd v 3rd) will be the following day, Saturday 11 May, at 7.35pm (UK & Ireland, 8.35 Italy)
Venues and broadcasters will be confirmed once the qualifiers are finalised.
Now if Messrs De Klerk and Booysen were forward thinking they would be having long discussions with the comp organisers to include the Lions in case they miss out on the promo/relegation series. Mr Watson should also be egging them on in case the Kings fail in the P/R series. But this is SA, so nothing will happen.