The Guinness Pro12 Final will take place outside of Ireland for the first time this season with news that BT Murrayfield in Edinburgh will be the venue for the Final to take place on May 28th 2016.
This is the second year that a destination final has been nominated. Last year’s event at Kingspan Stadium was a big success for Belfast even though Ulster Rugby came up just short in their bid to make the final.
Murray field is a massive step up in terms of capacity, from 18,000 to over 70,000 and there are plans to create a similar Festival of Rugby weekend to last year.
The Final will be broadcast live on TV by Sky Sports and other broadcast partners to be confirmed once finalists are known.
“Edinburgh is well known as an inspiring host city for sports, arts & cultural events,” said the CEO of Pro12 Rugby John Feehan announcing the host city.
“The BT Murrayfield Stadium is a super venue for the Guinness Pro12 Final.”
“We invited offers from all 12 clubs & their regions to host the Final. The tender from Edinburgh was outstanding and was unanimously agreed as the chosen venue.
“Our competition is truly unique. 12 Clubs, 4 Unions, 1 Trophy – we are delighted to be able to work with our partners to promote the variety of fantastic international destinations that the Guinness Pro12 has to offer.”
“We look forward to working with all our partners in staging a festival of rugby where fans from all four of our countries will enjoy a memorable Final and a great weekend in Edinburgh.”
“Scotland is the perfect stage for events and fans coming to Edinburgh in May can expect some fantastic rugby in Scotland’s national stadium right in the heart of Scotland’s unique and vibrant capital city,” added Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events.
Guinness this week signed an extension to its involvement with the Aviva Premiership and rugby clearly has a large part to play in current and future marketing of the brand.
“As Title Sponsor of the PRO12, Guinness has been fully behind and supportive of the decision to nominate Edinburgh as host and we look forward to working with the events team and our partners in the trade to deliver a memorable event for rugby fans,” said European Sponsorship Manager Rory Sheridan.
Tickets go on sale for the game on September 15th and if you fancy the chances of your province making it to the final tickets are currently available from Dublin to Edinburgh for that weekend at a cost of €116. That may change…
