Following an intense RBS Six Nations campaign the rugby spotlight moves on to the four Welsh pro sides who welcome home their international stars back for some of the biggest battles of the domestic season.
On the back of the popular and successful Christmas and New Year derbies in Wales – which saw more than 43,000 supporters through the turn-styles over a fortnight – the next six weeks is set to see 100,000 fans in Wales support live match day action at Welsh rugby’s five big home stadia.
Four Welsh derbies at the respective homes of the Pro teams in Wales lead into the showcase event at the national stadium – Judgement Day IV, the Guinness Pro12 derby double-header to be played on Saturday 30th April, which has already sold over 40,000 seats at Principality Stadium and remains well over a month ahead of record sales figures hit last year.
“To see six major local derbies contested here in Wales over the next six weeks will be a unique and intense period for professional rugby in Wales,” said Mark Davies Chief Executive of Pro Rugby Wales:
“It’s a tremendous opportunity for our coaches, players, partners and supporters to join and celebrate our game across all four regions with so much riding on each and every match.
“With seeding for the European competitions dependent on finishing positions in the Guinness PRO12, it’s a critical time in the season with much more than just regional pride at stake.
“We’ll see a great mix of our very best rugby talent in these games; from the stars of our national team to the players that have stepped-up competition for places back at home and a host of exciting young players who represent the next generation of international stars.
“The action culminates in Judgement Day IV on April 30th – the double derby event in partnership with the WRU which is set to host another record crowd at Principality Stadium, so this really is a great time to get out and enjoy Welsh rugby at its best and we look forward to the vibrant atmosphere that home and away supporters will create at all the grounds over the next 5 weeks.”
Welsh derby action kicks off this weekend with a big contest in the West; Ospreys v Scarlets on Saturday at the Liberty Stadium and Ospreys head coach Steve Tandy says it’s a game where everything is at stake.
“The Scarlets game is always huge for us and this one is bigger than ever with everything that’s at stake. For us, it’s the start of a massive five game run, including three derbies, and we know that there is no margin for error if we want to secure Champions Cup rugby next season,” said Tandy.
“It’s going to be a huge afternoon with a big crowd and two local rivals going head to head. Exactly the kind of game that supporters, players and coaches alike want to be involved in.”
Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac is also looking for victory as he targets a top four finish for his side in the closing weeks of the season: “With only five games remaining in the regular PRO12 campaign, and three of those games derbies, we know we still have our work cut out to ensure we finish the season in the top four.
“The derbies bring with them an added edge that means the players need no added motivation. We start with the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium – it is a massive game. The Ospreys are in a similar position to where we found ourselves last season, chasing that European spot. Knowing the Ospreys, they will back themselves to win their last five and you add players like Dan Biggar and Rhys Webb into the mix with a lot of quality young players that they have, it is going to be a huge challenge for us.”
Cardiff Blues head coach Danny Wilson believes the scene is set for a thrilling climax to the season for all four Welsh teams: “The six derby games, culminating in Judgement Day IV at Principality Stadium, will be of huge importance right across Wales in the closing months of the season.
“We really enjoyed our big derby games with the Scarlets and Dragons over the Christmas and New Year period and it was fantastic to see full houses enjoying regional rugby. All the teams have much to play for so it’s all set up to be a thrilling end to the season and some huge Welsh derby matches for us all to enjoy.”
Lyn Jones, director of rugby at Newport Gwent Dragons added: “Historically the Welsh derbies have been a fantastic platform for our young players to face Welsh international players and stake a claim for the national jersey, this season the matches will prove no different.
“We take on the three regions during the month of April, with one match at Rodney Parade, another at Principality Stadium for Judgement Day IV and the last encounter away from home against Cardiff Blues. All of which will be big tasks and hopefully a great advert for Welsh rugby.
“We recognise that the remainder of the PRO12 season is going to be a huge challenge for us, not forgetting our match against Gloucester in the ¼ final of the European Rugby Challenge Cup, but we plan to finish the season on a high.”
