Pro12 Is The Big Winner After Euro Row

As the dispute that threatened the European game as we know it has now been resolved, we can finally begin to talk about on field matters again. It has been a season blighted by off-field politics, especially in the Pro12 as the league has been a pawn in an Anglo-French dispute. However, the Pro12 looks to have gained the most from the long debate. Clubs that reach the European Champions Cup from the Pro12 will have a financial boost compared to the income that the Heineken Cup currently gives them. As it has already been pointed out however, French and English teams also gain a higher amount of income, this suggests that the politics are not completely over.

While we can then, let’s just sit back and watch rugby. Although this seems simple, it has been difficult to do that in the last year without the inevitable mention of politics. So back to on-field matters and there has been much to talk about in the Pro12 in recent weeks. Since the European dispute has been settled, the quality of rugby in the Pro12 has shot up.

However, in France and England, the quality of rugby has not improved in the same way. This is partially down to the high levels that they already play at in the Aviva Premiership and Top 14. These high levels of performance however, are simply down to the organisation of their leagues. They have each had a ‘serious’ competition since the leagues began. If we are honest, the Celtic league and now Pro12 has never been a competitive league.

Without relegation and a cut off limit for the top European competition, outside of aiming for the top four there is very little to play for. This time last year five or six teams were still playing for something; trying to squeeze into the top four. This year however, every team is playing for something. The top four is still the ultimate goal but for teams who cannot reach these heights there is still European qualification to play for.

At the wrong end of the table relegation does not yet exist but the highest finishing Italian team will be allowed into the European Champions Cup. This has seen Italian performances improve no end, with Treviso earned a winning bonus point against the Dragons and Zebre pushed the Scarlets close earning a losing bonus point. This is a far cry from earlier this year when the Italian teams were reported to be leaving. On-field performances responded to this unrest and Treviso fell to an embarrassing 75-7 defeat to the Ospreys.

The Pro12 has always been an interesting league, because of the different nationalities of teams involved. This latest turn the leagues turbulent history is one of the most positive it has ever witnessed. The league may not have a sponsor or name for next year but it does finally have a ‘serious’ competition.

With the off-field politics finished for the time being, the Pro12 can finally achieve the potential that it has as a league. We have seen a taste of its potential at the end of this season, next season promises to be even more competitive.