Inter-Pro Derbies Planned for August 22/23 - IRFU CEO
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The IRFU CEO Philip Browne has confirmed that inter-provincial derbies have been planned to kick-off on August 22/23 at the Aviva Stadium behind closed doors.
Rugby back on August 22/23, derbies at the Aviva behind closed doors
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) May 22, 2020
Browne confirms that the PRO14 will return across the board on that weekend, with local derbies
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) May 22, 2020
2020/2021 season will probably begin in October
During a media update, Browne announced Irish Rugby’s ‘Return to Train and Play’ proposals have been submitted to Government and that the weekend of August has been set for the targeted resumption of PRO14 derby fixtures involving the four provinces.
Under the proposals, the Aviva Stadium will host behind closed doors Inter-provincial games as part of the completion of the 2019/20 PRO14 season on 22nd and 23rd August, Browne outlined during the video conference call with members of the media on Friday afternoon.
“Our documents are now with the Government and I would like to acknowledge the cooperation and support we have received from the Government and its agencies, in particular Sport Ireland and The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport,” Browne said.
“In these times these matches are not just rugby fixtures, they are a beacon of hope for the entire country. A step, albeit a small one, in Ireland’s opening up to an environment for which the entire country yearns, deserves and has sacrificed so much to win back. We very much look forward to being able to play our part in delivering this much-needed tonic for the country.”
Rugby - Provisional Fixture List
Aug 21-23 - Pro 14: Leinster v Munster, Aviva Stadium; Ulster v Connacht, Aviva Stadium
August 28-30 - Pro 14: Leinster v Ulster, Aviva stadium; Munster v Connacht, Aviva Stadium
Sept 5: Pro 14 semi-final
Sept 12: Champions Cup quarter-finals: Leinster v Saracens, Aviva Stadium; Toulouse v Ulster*
Sept 17: Pro 14 final
Sept 26: Champions Cup semi-final
Oct 3: Ireland v Italy + Pro 14 round 1
Oct 10: France v Ireland* + Pro 14 round 2
Oct 17: Champions Cup Final, Marseilles
Oct 31: Pro 14 round 3
October 23 -November/December
Autumn Six Nations
*tbc