Guinness become PRO12 sponsors as fixtures released

The widely anticipated sponsorship deal was confirmed today as the PRO12 fixtures were released.

Guinness are the new sponsors of the rugby PRO12.

The brand take over sponsorship of the competition from RaboDirect, who sponsored the competition for the past three seasons.

PRO12 CEO John Feehan said: “We are delighted that Guinness, an international brand with a strong pedigree in rugby, will be our title sponsor and we are looking forward to working with Guinness in actively developing the profile and stature of our competition which boasts some of the biggest names in world rugby.”

The fixture list was also released, with the opening round of games taking place on the first weekend of September.

Pick of the opening fixtures is Leinster’s trip to Scotland to face the Glasgow Warriors - the team who they beat in last year's final.

Munster welcome Edinburgh to Thomond Park for their first match, while Ulster will take on the Scarlets in Wales and Connacht host the Newport Gwent Dragons.

Charlie McEwen, Sales & Marketing Director for the PRO12 said: “Today's announcement and that of the Sky Sports partnership earlier in the year provides the backdrop for an exciting new dawn for the GUINNESS PRO12 (and) we look forward to a compelling season of rugby.”