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.