Premiership makes fixture concession for Lions
Lions tour organisers persuade Guinness Premiership to bring forward end of season by two weeks
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Friday, 04, Jul 2008 12:32
The Guinness Premiership has agreed to bring its final forward by two weeks in order to avoid a clash with the opening match of the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa.
There had been fears that the domestic showpiece would prevent several top players from joining the touring party until June because they would be required to stay in England to play at Twickenham.
But a compromise has been reached which means the final will be staged on May 16th rather than May 30th - which is the date of the Lions' opening tour match against a Highveld XV.
Lions tour manager Gerald Davies said: "I'm delighted that this issue has been resolved well ahead of the next season thanks to many people's efforts over the last few weeks.
"I'd like to express my particular thanks on behalf of the Lions to the English clubs for their gesture in agreeing to stage the Guinness Premiership final on May 16th, and to the RFU for helping to facilitate this.
"It will allow selected players to join up with the Lions in good time for the opening match of the tour."
Davies admitted the rescheduling discussions "have not been easy", but he said he is now looking forward to the new domestic season.
The release of the full fixture list for 2008/09 has thrown up a number of interesting fixtures in the first weekend of action.
Table-topping Gloucester will have the chance to avenge their heartbreaking playoff semi-final defeat to Leicester Tigers when they host the losing finalists at Kingsholm in early September.
Bristol start their campaign with a West Country derby against European Challenge Cup winners Bath, and newly-promoted Northampton Saints kick off with a home match against European Challenge Cup finalists Worcester Warriors.
Twickenham will host the now-traditional London double-header to begin the new season when champions London Wasps take on London Irish and Saracens face Harlequins.
The other match sees Newcastle Falcons host Sale Sharks.