The weekend dates for the RaboDirect PRO12 Season 2012/13 fixtures have now been announced, with the season kicking- off on the first weekend of September
Champions Leinster begin the defence of their title with a trip to Wales to take on another of last season’s Play-Off qualifiers, Scarlets, whilst finalists Ulster also cross the Irish Sea, this time to play Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade.
Glasgow Warriors, the remaining team to make it through to last season’s Play-Offs, also face Welsh opposition, but this time Cardiff Blues will have to make the journey north to Scotstoun.
There are the regular local derby fixtures to look forward to over the festive period, whilst the final round of the regular season, Round 22, is scheduled for 9/10/11 May. The Play-Offs follow a week later then the 2013/14 RaboDirect PRO12 season concludes with the Final on the last weekend in May.
Tournament Director David Jordan commented: “It is ten years since the competition changed to a home and away format and four years since the introduction of the end of season Play-Offs. During that time a regular season pattern has emerged and we have seen increases in both attendances and viewing figures so fans are obviously enjoying the rugby that is on offer in the RaboDirect PRO12.
“In the coming season fans in the home Unions have the added excitement of the victorious British and Irish Lions players returning to their clubs to look forward to as well.
“Since the inception of the competition five different teams have taken the title, although interestingly no champions have ever defended their crown, Leinster will have a challenge on their hands in the coming season.”
RaboDirect PRO12 Season 2013/14
Round 1 – 6/7/8 September
Benetton Treviso v Ospreys
Connacht v Zebre
Glasgow Warriors v Cardiff Blues
Munster v Edinburgh Rugby
Newport Gwent Dragons v Ulster
Scarlets v Leinster
Round 2 – 13/14/15 September
Cardiff Blues v Connacht
Edinburgh Rugby v Newport Gwent Dragons
Leinster v Ospreys
Scarlets v Benetton Treviso
Ulster v Glasgow Warriors
Zebre v Munster
Fixtures in full can be found at www.RaboDirectPRO12.com
NOTE: All fixtures and venues are subject to change