The Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup kicks off this weekend, with the first three rounds being a series of Inter-Pro derbies. A total of sixteen teams will compete for the Rainbow Cup, with South African teams, DHL Stormers, Cell C Sharks, Vodacom Bulls and Emirates Lions being introduced. The Rainbow Cup will consist of a pool stage (two pools of eight teams) and a final between the two pool winners. First up, Ulster will host Connacht this Friday at Kingspan Stadium (8.15pm kick-off) before hitting the road for Rounds 2 and 3 away to Munster on Friday 7 May and Leinster the following Friday. Confirmation for Rounds 4-6 will follow once PRO14 Rugby has received all necessary approvals and permissions from the relevant governments and health authorities for the South African teams to travel.

Rainbow Cup Law Variations

PRO14 Rugby confirmed last week that three innovative law variations have been approved by World Rugby for use in the Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup – Red Card Replacements, Captain’s Challenge and Goal-line drop-outs.

Where to watch

All games will be available live across the Guinness PRO14 network of broadcasters: Premier Sports, Super Sport, eir Sport and DAZN with S4C and TG4 showing selected live free-to-air matches, deferred coverage and highlights throughout the Rainbow Cup.

Ulster’s Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup Fixtures

Round 1 Friday, April 23 Ulster v Connacht – KO 20:15 Kingspan Stadium, Belfast Round 2 Friday, May 7 Munster v Ulster – KO 20:15 Thomond Park, Limerick Round 3 Friday, May 14 Leinster v Ulster – KO 20:15 RDS Arena, Dublin Round 4: Weekend of May 29. Round 5: Weekend of June 5. Round 6: Weekend of June 12. Final: Weekend of June 19.

Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup | All You Need to Know

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