Sandy Park to stage double-header
Sandy Park, home of the Exeter Chiefs, has been confirmed as one of three venues that will form part of a triple bill of double headers to kick-off Greene King IPA’s new partnership of the RFU Championship in September.
Greene King IPA was today confirmed as the first title partner of the second tier of professional rugby in England, consolidating its position as one of the key supporters of rugby at all levels of the game.
The competition, now titled the Greene King IPA Championship to reflect the new four year partnership, has seen rapid growth since its inception in 2009.
The league continues to become increasingly competitive and is a showcase for exciting rugby, whilst providing a strong pathway for a number of England players including seven from the current squad, five of whom are on the 2013 Lions Tour.
Extending the league season from 22 to 23 rounds, the 2013-14 season will begin with the thee double headers, taking place at the neutral venues of Allianz Park (Saracens), Castle Park (Doncaster Knights) and, of course, our very own Sandy Park.
Taking to the field in Exeter over the weekend of September 13/14/15 will be Plymouth Albion against Jersey, as well as Cornish Pirates versus Bristol.
Following the announcement of the Greene King IPA Championship today, Championship Clubs Chairman Geoff Irvine commented: “This announcement is a fantastic step forward for the competition and on behalf of the Championship clubs, I would like to welcome Greene King IPA.
"To have such an established brand like Greene King IPA invest in the second tier of professional rugby is a real credit to the clubs and all the hard work they have put in since the Championship formed in 2009.”
The 2013-14 season will kick-off a week later than usual to avoid the start of the Aviva Premiership campaign. With the inclusion of two reserve weekends, and continuing the excitement of knock-out rugby in the two legged semi-finals and final, the Championship season will conclude on Wednesday June 4 2014.
Greene King IPA Championship 2013-14 fixtures: Round 1 – 13/14/15 September – Double Header
Allianz Park: Ealing Trailfinders v London Scottish, London Welsh v Bedford Blues
Castle Park: Moseley v Rotherham Titans, Nottingham Rugby v Leeds Carnegie
Sandy Park: Plymouth Albion v Jersey RFC, Cornish Pirates v Bristol Rugby
Finals – Thursday 29 May and Wednesday 4 June.
Reserve weekends: 21/22/23 February, 14/15/16 March.
Picture: Exeter Rugby Club/Pinnacle Photo Agency
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