Kingspan Stadium to Host Pro12 Final

by Kingshu Mon Jan 26, 2015 9:21 pm

First topic message reminder :

New development for the League,

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/30980843

Final is going to be annoced in advance from now on,

TBH I don't like this idea at all.

All the hosts of the final so far have been able to sell it out before hand, it rewards the team that finishes higher in the league, and what happens is say the final is Ospreys V Glasgow are all these fans expected to travel to Belfast?

Better have the higher team in the League host it, other wise I can see the final being mostly played out in with mostly neutral crowds.

by Chunky Norwich Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:19 pm

LordDowlais wrote:
Chunky Norwich wrote:That means unless the WRU would make a bid (can they?) then the final will always be in Ireland or Edinburgh if they put a bid in for Murrayfield.

Cardiff or Edinburgh cannot have it as the national stadiums do meet the criteria apparently, that's what some of the Irish posters on this thread have been saying, so nowhere in Wales Scotland or Italy meet these criteria's so the final will always be in Ireland.

Why don't the national stadiums meet the criteria?

by Chunky Norwich Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:21 pm

The Irish can't get it into their heads that they aren't a big draw.

Cardiff Blues v Worcester had a bigger crowd in the LV Cup than Cardiff Blues v Munster in the league 2 weeks later.

Worcester ffs!

by SecretFly Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:22 pm

Wharh about LittleE? Surely Venice got some dapper dens of 5 star class????

by SecretFly Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:23 pm

Chunky Norwich wrote:The Irish can't get it into their heads that they aren't a big draw.

Cardiff Blues v Worcester had a bigger crowd in the LV Cup than Cardiff Blues v Munster in the league 2 weeks later.

Worcester ffs!

No accounting for Welsh tastes in sub par rugby Wink

You could have a (KOK) fight in the middle of the Millennium, and if one of the KOK's belonged to John from London...it's a sell-out.

It's not rugby specific, this love of hate between you two. But we're talking rugby here Wink

by Chunky Norwich Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:27 pm

So while we're on the subject:

The Ospreys Supporters club asked about the fixtures of games too. We asked if it could be confirmed that that all teams have agreed that they would play on Sundays; we were advised that was correct.

We then asked, if this agreement is with ALL teams, why is there not a fair allocation in that ALL 12 teams have to play on a Sunday irrespective of preference? Simply put, if you wish to be part of the Pro12 then as per the agreement you should have a fair allocation of Sunday games.

Two teams so far this season have had not had one home game on a Sunday and they do not have any scheduled in the next 7 rounds either. Out of these two teams only 1 has an away game scheduled for later in the season. That means 1 team has not a home or an away Sunday game within their fixture list this season. I am sure all would agree this is hardly a fair allocation of Sunday games as per the agreement.

Guess who it is? Absolutely loaded in favour of the Irish teams.

by SecretFly Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:31 pm

All teams have agreed that they would play on Sundays. But obviously nobody read the small print which didn't include 'When' Wink

I guess in theory an Irish team will get around to deciding to fulfil contractual obligations sometime in this decade... or maybe the next one *yawn*......

Right now, much too busy planning the bunting for 'Ulster Says ...Welcome....

by Don Alfonso Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:31 pm

Who? Tell us, Chunky! TELL US!

We're on tenterhooks shere.

by Chunky Norwich Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:32 pm

Munster won't play a Sunday game this season.

Just counted and Dragons will play at least 10 Sunday games.

by Chunky Norwich Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:34 pm

I'm sure it's just a "fluke" or "unlucky" or something the WRU did which wouldn't ever do anything that isn't in the best interests of the Welsh regions.

by LordDowlais Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:36 pm

Chunky Norwich wrote:Munster won't play a Sunday game this season.

Just counted and Dragons will play at least 10 Sunday games.

And they call us paranoid, and claim we are making conspiracy theories up, seriously you could not make this stuff up. Rolling Eyes

by Chunky Norwich Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:37 pm

LordDowlais wrote:
Chunky Norwich wrote:Munster won't play a Sunday game this season.

Just counted and Dragons will play at least 10 Sunday games.

And they call us paranoid, and claim we are making conspiracy theories up, seriously you could not make this stuff up.

They'll defend it. They'll argue against it. They'll call it the best league in the world. They have no shame and nor do they care.

by **Notch** Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:38 pm

Whats the problem with Sunday games?

by Don Alfonso Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:39 pm

Jesus. That is massively disproportionate. Quite right to complain about that, in fairness. How many do other teams play?

And is that thrashed out between the broadcasters and the teams?

by SecretFly Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:40 pm

Sunday is a light day for farmers. Even farmers need a little break now and again...a lie in.

by PenfroPete Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:42 pm

Notch wrote:Whats the problem with Sunday games?

Jebus Notch Rolling Eyes

They're followed by Fecking Monday !! I'm sure you lads would love home games on Sunday Wink

by SecretFly Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:43 pm

Don Alfonso wrote:Jesus. That is massively disproportionate. Quite right to complain about that, in fairness. How many do other teams play?

And is that thrashed out between the broadcasters and the teams?

No, the Irish give the Welsh their (Welsh team) schedules at the beginning of each season... and the 'quiet' and non-argumentative and timid Welsh just agree to everything and say 'Yes Sir'.

That's the fairytale I'm reading at the moment anyway on these here pages. Wink

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:46 pm

Chunky Norwich wrote:
LordDowlais wrote:
Chunky Norwich wrote:Munster won't play a Sunday game this season.

Just counted and Dragons will play at least 10 Sunday games.

And they call us paranoid, and claim we are making conspiracy theories up, seriously you could not make this stuff up.

They'll defend it. They'll argue against it. They'll call it the best league in the world. They have no shame and nor do they care.

You're right I couldn't give a flying fock nor do I see what anyone has to be ashamed of. TV companies decide the schedule. I bet if you research it Welsh TV prefer Sunday games. But it is much easier to whinge and make up conspiracies.

Sky get Saturdays, we seem to get Fridays and the welsh get Sundays.

I guarantee that if you ask any group of fans from ANY team you will get some who prefer all 3.

People who have to travel would prefer Sunday to Friday. People who have other commitments on what ever day would prefer the other 2.

Personally I don't care which day we play on, would probably take Sunday over Friday though.

by Chunky Norwich Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:48 pm

Chunky Norwich wrote:So while we're on the subject:

The Ospreys Supporters club asked about the fixtures of games too. We asked if it could be confirmed that that all teams have agreed that they would play on Sundays; we were advised that was correct.

We then asked, if this agreement is with ALL teams, why is there not a fair allocation in that ALL 12 teams have to play on a Sunday irrespective of preference? Simply put, if you wish to be part of the Pro12 then as per the agreement you should have a fair allocation of Sunday games.

Two teams so far this season have had not had one home game on a Sunday and they do not have any scheduled in the next 7 rounds either. Out of these two teams only 1 has an away game scheduled for later in the season. That means 1 team has not a home or an away Sunday game within their fixture list this season. I am sure all would agree this is hardly a fair allocation of Sunday games as per the agreement.

Guess who it is? Absolutely loaded in favour of the Irish teams.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:48 pm

PenfroPete wrote:
Notch wrote:Whats the problem with Sunday games?
Jebus Notch They're followed by Fecking Monday !! I'm sure you lads would love home games on Sunday

Ha Pete. I never even thought of that! Laugh

Games are in the afternoon though. Plenty of time to "have a good time" and get tucked up in bed by 10.

by Guest Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:51 pm

Wrong actually. Not many would like Sunday games. Can't drink at the game, as they probably have to work the next day.

The Dragons are likely to pick up more Sunday games than most due to Newport County and RFC, but it is still pretty disproportionate (seeing as we could play Friday nights).

by SecretFly Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:52 pm

Chunky Norwich wrote:
Chunky Norwich wrote:So while we're on the subject:

The Ospreys Supporters club asked about the fixtures of games too. We asked if it could be confirmed that that all teams have agreed that they would play on Sundays; we were advised that was correct.

We then asked, if this agreement is with ALL teams, why is there not a fair allocation in that ALL 12 teams have to play on a Sunday irrespective of preference? Simply put, if you wish to be part of the Pro12 then as per the agreement you should have a fair allocation of Sunday games.

Two teams so far this season have had not had one home game on a Sunday and they do not have any scheduled in the next 7 rounds either. Out of these two teams only 1 has an away game scheduled for later in the season. That means 1 team has not a home or an away Sunday game within their fixture list this season. I am sure all would agree this is hardly a fair allocation of Sunday games as per the agreement.

Guess who it is? Absolutely loaded in favour of the Irish teams.

EXCEPT MUNSTER ..obviously?

Will they get fined? Did you read through the rules far enough to get to the Fines page for rule/agreement breaking?

by asoreleftshoulder Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:54 pm

Risca Rev wrote:Wrong actually. Not many would like Sunday games. Can't drink at the game, as they probably have to work the next day.

The Dragons are likely to pick up more Sunday games than most due to Newport County and RFC, but it is still pretty disproportionate (seeing as we could play Friday nights).

Then they just aren't doing it right.

Also if you read the Munsterfans forum you will see that there is non stop complaining about the fact that they have so many Friday night games,they'd much prefer Sundays over that as supporters from (mainly) Cork have no chance of making it to Limerick in time for a Friday night kickoff unless they leave work early.

by Chunky Norwich Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:54 pm

Not an ounce of shame.

Just happy to ridicule and mock.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:55 pm

Risca Rev wrote:Wrong actually. Not many would like Sunday games. Can't drink at the game, as they probably have to work the next day.

The Dragons are likely to pick up more Sunday games than most due to Newport County and RFC, but it is still pretty disproportionate (seeing as we could play Friday nights).

How much do you have to drink at a 3 o'clock game to render you unfit for work the next morning? Shocked

Either you can't hold your drink or you are capable of drinking 10 pints in 2 hours. Laugh

by SecretFly Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:57 pm

Risca Rev wrote:Wrong actually. Not many would like Sunday games. Can't drink at the game, as they probably have to work the next day.

At least they get to be sober enough to watch a real game and not come in with the next morning headache spiel about there being two biased refs on the field, unfair reds for their lads, not enough yellows for the opposition, too many balls being left in play, too much booing and not enough of it at the right times, etc etc.
At least the analysis tends to be more realistic the less the hounds get to drink during the game.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:58 pm

Chunky Norwich wrote:Not an ounce of shame.

Just happy to ridicule and mock.

You are doing a fairly decent job of portraying yourself as a whingebag who is never happy. You have to accept that will make people laugh.

Yes try to help at first, yes listen to your gripes, but eventually under the sheer weight of "Marvin the paranoid android" levels of gloom all you can do is laugh.

by **Notch** Thu Jan 29, 2015 11:00 pm

PenfroPete wrote:
Notch wrote:Whats the problem with Sunday games?
Jebus Notch They're followed by Fecking Monday !! I'm sure you lads would love home games on Sunday

Ah, so its a problem if you want to drink. I guess the best possible time for a game is Friday but I wouldn't mind Sunday over Saturday because I don't drink. Thats just a personal perspective. I'm sure other fans wouldn't like it.

Ulster at one stage specifically requested no Sunday games in Europe because the local religious fundies had protests and so on outside Ravenhill. But if you ask me, pishing that shower off is a bonus!

by Don Alfonso Thu Jan 29, 2015 11:06 pm

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
Chunky Norwich wrote:Not an ounce of shame.

Just happy to ridicule and mock.

You are doing a fairly decent job of portraying yourself as a whingebag who is never happy. You have to accept that will make people laugh.

Yes try to help at first, yes listen to your gripes, but eventually under the sheer weight of "Marvin the paranoid android" levels of gloom all you can do is laugh.

I've tried to engage Dowlais and Chunky a couple of times on a grown-up, sincere level. I can see there are genuine concerns that do need aired and addressed.

Their responses... sigh.

Instead, I'm going to hope that Ospreys come top, Ulster scrape into the play-offs and win the final at home against the Hairsprays, reffed by Neil Paterson, while Ulster fans burst blood vessels booing every time a Tossprey gets the ball.

It won't happen of course - the Ospreys will not finish top.

by Chunky Norwich Thu Jan 29, 2015 11:08 pm

The Dragons have 6 Sunday games in a row.

That, quite frankly is mental.

by Guest Thu Jan 29, 2015 11:10 pm

It is. They're not all league though.

by SecretFly Thu Jan 29, 2015 11:18 pm

Do the logical stuff Chunky. Just don't say " 'A' happens and it's not fair!"

Why is 'A' happening?

Why is the Dragons playing 6 Sunday games in a row?

If you don't know, then ask them and find out.

If they don't know, ask the organisers of Pro12. I hear the new Top guy is Welsh so that should be another easy address to get.

Then tell us who is imposing 6 Sunday games on Dragons and None on Munster.

Then tell us whether the other sides are officially complaining to the Pro12 head office about it

Then tell us if Munster are going to be punished financially or otherwise if they seem to have refused to back up a 'promise' to play Sunday games.

Then tell us the part a Broadcasting group might have on the idea of which sides should actually play on Friday, Saturday or Sunday (after promises) for highest financial reward for them and subsequently a higher value for the Pro12 itself in sponsorship terms?

You see - if you want to be serious about a topic, go where serious goes to and do the research that will expose the 'cheats', expose the 'oppressors', expose the 'secret love-ins' and 'sniggering rule bending for brown envelope gains under a desk'

by Chunky Norwich Thu Jan 29, 2015 11:25 pm

Risca Rev wrote:It is. They're not all league though.

6 league games in a row on a Sunday:

Sun, 11 Jan 2015 11 - 22 L Ospreys Liberty Stadium, Swansea GP12 7152
Sun, 15 Feb 2015 15:00 Leinster Royal Dublin Society, Dublin GP12
Sun, 22 Feb 2015 16:00 Connacht Rodney Parade, Newport GP12 S4C
Sun, 01 Mar 2015 18:00 Zebre Rugby Stadio XXV Aprile, Parma GP12
Sun, 08 Mar 2015 16:00 Ulster Rodney Parade, Newport GP12 S4C
28 March 2015 20:30 Benetton Rugby Treviso Stadio Monigo, Treviso GP12
Sun, 12 Apr 2015 16:00 Leinster Rodney Parade, Newport GP12 S4C

by SecretFly Thu Jan 29, 2015 11:27 pm

Sat?...

5 in row?

by Chunky Norwich Thu Jan 29, 2015 11:34 pm

Apologies. 5 in a row.

by Guest Thu Jan 29, 2015 11:39 pm

Then if you add the two LV games, we have 7 in a row. It is what it is. I'm sure people don't love it, but nobody will do anything about it.

by Sin é Fri Jan 30, 2015 12:10 am

LordDowlais wrote:
Chunky Norwich wrote:That means unless the WRU would make a bid (can they?) then the final will always be in Ireland or Edinburgh if they put a bid in for Murrayfield.

Cardiff or Edinburgh cannot have it as the national stadiums do meet the criteria apparently, that's what some of the Irish posters on this thread have been saying, so nowhere in Wales Scotland or Italy meet these criteria's so the final will always be in Ireland.

It can be in the Millenium Stadium! Perhaps the reason why the WRU or SRU didn't bid is because their stadiums are already booked for something else (like Thomond Park).

Guinness, as main sponsors, would stipulate that they would want 5* hotels as that is their big day out and would be entertaining clients/media etc (the reason why they are paying to sponsor the league) - the stadium will be dressed by Guinness (think Heineken Cup final and how Heineken was everywhere.

by LordDowlais Fri Jan 30, 2015 12:20 am

Sin é wrote:It can be in the Millenium Stadium!

Well according to some of your fellow Irishmen on here, it was not even on the shortlist, because it was too big, so if it can be used, and your country men on here are wrong, why was it not even on the shortlist ?

by **Notch** Fri Jan 30, 2015 12:22 am

LordDowlais wrote:
Sin é wrote:It can be in the Millenium Stadium!

Well according to some of your fellow Irishmen on here, it was not even on the shortlist, because it was too big, so if it can be used, and your country men on here are wrong, why was it not even on the shortlist ?

There were only two bids on the shortlist because only Ulster and Glasgow chose to bid for it. You're terrible for taking things random people say and then assuming they're right. This thread is 90% speculation.

by Chunky Norwich Fri Jan 30, 2015 12:24 am

Notch wrote:
LordDowlais wrote:
Sin é wrote:It can be in the Millenium Stadium!

Well according to some of your fellow Irishmen on here, it was not even on the shortlist, because it was too big, so if it can be used, and your country men on here are wrong, why was it not even on the shortlist ?

There were only two bids on the shortlist because only Ulster and Glasgow chose to bid for it. .

Only one of which, was eligible.

by **Notch** Fri Jan 30, 2015 12:29 am

Chunky Norwich wrote:
Notch wrote:
LordDowlais wrote:
Sin é wrote:It can be in the Millenium Stadium!

Well according to some of your fellow Irishmen on here, it was not even on the shortlist, because it was too big, so if it can be used, and your country men on here are wrong, why was it not even on the shortlist ?

There were only two bids on the shortlist because only Ulster and Glasgow chose to bid for it. .

Only one of which, was eligible.

Wrong. The Glasgow bid was not to hold it at Scotstoun. It was for Rugby Park in Kilmarnock which has a capacity of just over 18000.

by LordDowlais Fri Jan 30, 2015 12:30 am

Notch wrote:
LordDowlais wrote:
Sin é wrote:It can be in the Millenium Stadium!

Well according to some of your fellow Irishmen on here, it was not even on the shortlist, because it was too big, so if it can be used, and your country men on here are wrong, why was it not even on the shortlist ?

There were only two bids on the shortlist because only Ulster and Glasgow chose to bid for it. You're terrible for taking things random people say and then assuming they're right. This thread is 90% speculation.

Yes, ok just two bids from the short-list, so please, remind me again, what was on the short-list altogether ?

by **Notch** Fri Jan 30, 2015 12:35 am

That question doesn't even make sense.

by LordDowlais Fri Jan 30, 2015 12:36 am

Notch wrote:That question doesn't even make sense.

Yes it does, you are saying that of all the the cities or stadiums on the short list only two made bids, so I am asking, who was on the short-list altogether ?

by asoreleftshoulder Fri Jan 30, 2015 12:40 am

LordDowlais wrote:
Notch wrote:That question doesn't even make sense.

Yes it does, you are saying that of all the the cities or stadiums on the short list only two made bids, so I am asking, who was on the short-list altogether ?

Why would a city or stadium that didn't make a bid be on the shortlist?

by Chunky Norwich Fri Jan 30, 2015 12:40 am

Notch wrote:

Wrong. The Glasgow bid was not to hold it at Scotstoun. It was for Rugby Park in Kilmarnock which has a capacity of just over 18000.

Interesting, thanks. have you got a link?

by **Notch** Fri Jan 30, 2015 12:41 am

LordDowlais wrote:
Notch wrote:That question doesn't even make sense.

Yes it does, you are saying that of all the the cities or stadiums on the short list only two made bids, so I am asking, who was on the short-list altogether ?

The short-list consisted of Belfast and Glasgow/Kilmarnock. No-one else made bids. The other parties who could have made bids are the 12 clubs and 4 unions. To do that they would have had to have access to stadium with a capacity of over 18000.

by LordDowlais Fri Jan 30, 2015 12:42 am

asoreleftshoulder wrote:
LordDowlais wrote:
Notch wrote:That question doesn't even make sense.

Yes it does, you are saying that of all the the cities or stadiums on the short list only two made bids, so I am asking, who was on the short-list altogether ?

Why would a city or stadium that didn't make a bid be on the shortlist?

Because only five cites were considered in the first place. Three of those were from Ireland one from Scotland and one from Wales, and let me just say to you before you answer, the one for Wales was not Cardiff.

by **Notch** Fri Jan 30, 2015 12:42 am

Chunky Norwich wrote:
Notch wrote:

Wrong. The Glasgow bid was not to hold it at Scotstoun. It was for Rugby Park in Kilmarnock which has a capacity of just over 18000.

Interesting, thanks. have you got a link?

Sorry, I've read too many articles on this to be able to pinpoint the specific one that mentions it.

by **Notch** Fri Jan 30, 2015 12:43 am

LordDowlais wrote:
asoreleftshoulder wrote:
LordDowlais wrote:
Notch wrote:That question doesn't even make sense.

Yes it does, you are saying that of all the the cities or stadiums on the short list only two made bids, so I am asking, who was on the short-list altogether ?

Why would a city or stadium that didn't make a bid be on the shortlist?

Because only five cites were considered in the first place. Three of those were from Ireland one from Scotland and one from Wales, and let me just say to you before you answer, the one for Wales was not Cardiff.

No, only two cities were ever considered because there were only two bids. Why would they consider a venue which didn't even bid for it? You appear to be very confused.

by PenfroPete Fri Jan 30, 2015 12:44 am

With SKY Sports coming on board, this has created a change in the broadcast schedule. Speaking from a Welsh perspective before this season

Friday = BBC2 WALES 19:05
Saturday = S4C 17:30
Sunday-= maybe

SKY now have Saturday sown up by the looks of things, so the Welsh broadcasters need Friday and Sunday. Don’t shoot me Dragons fans (especially you Rev Wink

) but the Dragons haven’t been a big draw this season, up until now, hence the 'less attractive' Sunday afternoon slot. Also, as has been stated the ground share with County has had a major impact.

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