1872 Cup Christmas Double Header Axed

The 2016/17  Pro12 Fixtures have been announced today and it has been revealed that the back-to-back 1872 Cup format between Edinburgh and Glasgow has been scrapped.

There will still be a festive fixture with Edinburgh’s home game at BT Murrayfield being played on Boxing Day, but the winner of the illustrious Cup won’t be decided until the final round of the regular season at Scotstoun on the 6th of May.

This news will no doubt be disappointing for fans who have come to look forward to the back to back Christmas match ups, as well as the SRU who have heavily publicised the double header and sold tickets for both.

Disappointing to hear both #1872cup ties won’t be played over the festive period. Usually really good family day out and build up over Xmas.

— Garreth Lodge (@redhotraggle) July 13, 2016

One of the highlights of domestic rugby is the Christmas/NY 1872 cup derbies. What the hell, man?!

— C (@clarannaa) July 13, 2016

The decision may have something to do with the fact that last season’s return leg had to once again be played at Murrayfield thanks to a waterlogged Scotstoun pitch. With a new 3G pitch due to be installed at Glasgow’s home this shouldn’t be a problem going forward, but perhaps the powers that be wanted to encourage a more open styled return game in the dryer month of May.

Either way it does set up an exciting end of season finale that should have a summer carnival atmosphere, something that’s been missing at Scotstoun since the Sevens were moved to Paris.

Looking to the beginning of the season and we’ll see Edinburgh opening to Cardiff Blues away on the 9th of September, with Glasgow Warrior facing off against last season’s PRO12 Champions Connacht, also away.

You can find a list of all the fixtures here.

What do you think the fixtures and decision to axe the 1872 Cup Double Header? Let us know in the comments below.

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