PRO14 rugby to play out on Monday nights

The first Monday night game will occur in round 3 when Munster host Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park on October 26

The Guinness PRO14 will break new ground as it introduces prime-time Monday Night Rugby to its schedule for the upcoming 2020/2021 season.

With the new campaign less than two weeks away, dates and times have been confirmed for the first eight weeks of action.

The first Monday night game will occur in round 3 when Munster host Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park on October 26 as the Guinness PRO14 enters the weekday prime-time market with an 8.15pm kickoff.

Fourteen Monday night fixtures will take place between rounds 3 and 8, with scheduling aimed at preventing direct clashes with the extended international calendar, allowing fans to put their full support behind club and country.

With the finale of the Guinness Six Nations and the Autumn Nations Cup from October to early December, the majority of PRO14 fixtures during this time will take place on Sundays and Mondays.

Where possible, Monday night fixtures have been set across two time slots of 6pm and 8.15pm (both UK/IRE). Rounds 9, 10 and 11 of the Guinness PRO14 will feature the fierce derby matches across the UK, Ireland and Italy, with the scheduling to be set up.

“Thanks to the buy-in and support from our teams and broadcasters we believe we have delivered an innovative solution to the challenges posed to us by the international rugby calendar,” PRO14 Rugby chair Dominic McKay said.

“The task of assembling these fixtures in such a short space of time have been immense given the parameters involved, and I’d like to thank tournament director David Jordan and his team for their tireless work.”

PRO14 Rugby CEO Martin Anayi said: “In a time of such uncertainty we are incredibly grateful to our broadcast partners and sponsors for their continued support.

“No business has been unaffected by the pandemic, but the team spirit and willingness displayed by our broadcasters, our title sponsor Guinness and partners has beenencouraging.

“Sport is as important as it ever has been in society. Our partners are keen to play a vital role in keeping rugby front and centre.” —