Celtic League enters new era

YESTERDAY marked the start of another new chapter in the history of the Celtic League.

Renamed the RaboDirect Pro12 following the expiration of the Magners Irish Cider contract as league sponsors, it’s the latest significant change to the competition since it’s formation 11 years ago.

Last season was the first to include Italian teams, proving how far the league has come. Having operated a standard league format whereby the team with the most points wins for nine years, the system was updated just two seasons ago to include play-offs and a grand final, similar to the English, French and Tri-Nations leagues.

“Our competition has experienced a huge growth over the last few years and it was time to move it to the next level,” said John Feehan, chief executive of RaboDirect PRO12.

Rabobank already has strong affiliation with sporting properties worldwide, sponsoring Super 15 side Melbourne Reds as well as cycling’s tours of Italy and California and the Dutch national equestrian and field hockey teams.

Roel van Veggel, general manager of RaboDirect in Ireland said: “We’re very excited about getting involved in a sport that ignites so much passion not only in Ireland, but in the UK and Italy. We’re looking forward to generating more enthusiasm for the competition, connecting with an even larger audience through their love of rugby.”