Pro12 continuing upward curve, says delighted chairman Irvine

The RaboDirect Pro12 League is enjoying incredible growth in terms of attendances and television audience figures, according to competition chairman, Andy Irvine.

Speaking at the new season’s launch in Belfast yesterday, Irvine said the tournament is in an extremely healthy state.

“Ulster had an incredible rise of almost 25% in crowd numbers and Cardiff nearly 23% while even in Scotland, the attendances were rising, with Glasgow showing a 13% rise,” said Irvine, the former Scottish and Lions full-back. “The TV audiences are now up to 12.7 million and they saw exciting open rugby. Last season we had 526 tries, which is almost four per game. Games have to be a spectacle or else it is no fun to play or watch.

“We are proud of our competition. It is a breeding ground for developing young players and the representation of the RaboDirect Pro12 players on the Lions Tour to Australia was the highest, with 24 of the original 37coming from the Celtic regions. We are very fortunate we can embrace four different countries and four different cultures.

“The (English) Premiership cannot offer that and compared to all other competitions we have a greater proportion of international players. But we must also remember that one of our main objections is to bring on the young talent. It is important we develop and look after these players. The young players are coming through to the teams not only want to play in this competition but they also want to take the next step up. You only have to look at the Italian teams and the level of competition they now provide.”

Irvine, however, also spoke of the need to improve and highlighted the fact that only one team managed to make to the last four in the Heineken Cup.

“It was a tremendous performance by Munster, our sole representative, to get into the semi-finals and we certainly hope to better that this season.”