Emirates Lions and Vodacom Bulls to host Leinster and Zebre Parma in back-to-back Double-Headers in R17 & R18

The VodacomBulls, the Emirates Lions, Leinster Rugby, Zebre Parma and the Vodacom United Rugby Championship have come together in the spirit of united rugby to servefans and lovers of enthralling sportainment in Gauteng, with a rugby feast toremember. The two big Jukskei rivals will host consecutive double-header weekends over Rounds 17 (Saturday 15 April) and 18(Saturday 22 April) of the 2022/23 Vodacom United Rugby Championship, at Emirates Airline Park andLoftus Versfeld Stadium respectively.

Thereturn double-header weekend at Loftus will also feature a bruising SouthAfrican domestic rugby clash in Round 7 of the 2023 Currie Cup competition, acontest for bragging rights that cuts across the Jukskei.

EdgarRathbone, BBCo. Chief Executive commended the tournament officials for theirflexibility in supporting clubs that are seeking to create meaningfulexperiences for fans around the competition.

“Icommend Martin (Anayi) and the entire URC team, our sponsors and thebroadcaster(s) for their unwavering support as we are always exploring ways inwhich we can better our offering to all of our patrons. The spirit of thecompetition is one that fosters unity amongst the franchises and we are dutybound to collaborate for the growth and betterment of our sport.”

“Weare buoyant that this double-header will add value for the money South Africansspend around gamedays and ultimately we are also confident that the quality ofrugby on display will rubberstamp the tournament’s legacy in the growth of thesport in our country.”

LionsRugby CEO, Rudolf Straeuli remarked: “We are incredibly excited at the prospectof hosting three quality international club sides all in one day at the iconicEmirates Airline Park. Heading across the Jukskei the following weekend toLoftus Versfeld doesn’t get any better from an overall sportainment experienceby the two host franchises.”

“Sinceits inception, the Vodacom URC, in partnership with their sponsor and broadcastpartners, have been at the forefront of sports innovation and the double-headerweekends are testament to this.

“Sportin South Africa is constantly in search of creativity especially when it comesto fan engagement, and we believe that through this unique collaboration, rugbyin particular can lead the way in bringing stakeholders together and growingthe game for the greater good,” Straeuli concluded.

Stefanvan der Merwe, BBCo Chief Commercial Officer, extols the double-header as thebest opportunity yet to rubberstamp the tournament as a family-orientedproduct.

“Weare incredibly fortunate to have the willing support and partnership from theparticipating franchises in wanting to make this day a success and it is our collectiveambition to put together two weekends that will round off what has already beena historic season of Vodacom United Rugby Championship rugby,”

“Wehave seen the power of having multiple games in one venue in the past and howwhen that is complemented by great entertainment for the whole family, everyonecan feel as though they got something out of a wonderful family day out in thesun. This is a formula that has worked well, specifically in this competition in Wales, and we are confident that we can learn and borrow from that model,”

“Wehad more than 41 000 people visit Loftus for the North versus South derbyand we are confident that Gauteng will come together again and set anothernew Vodacom United Rugby Championship record with52 000 people at the fortress.”

As a result ofthese event changes, alterations have also been made to the kick-off times ofall four games.

The fixtureshave now been confirmed as follows:

Round 17

Saturday, April15, 2023 (Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg)

12:00 UK & IRE / 13:00 SA & ITA: Vodacom Bulls v Zebre Parma

15:00 UK & IRE / 16:00 SA & ITA: Emirates Lions v Leinster

Round 18

Saturday, April22, 2023 (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)

12:00 UK & IRE / 13:00 SA & ITA: Emirates Lions v Zebre Parma

15:00 UK & IRE / 16:00 SA & ITA : Vodacom Bulls v Leinster

These Double-Header events in South Africa are the first to be held in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship outside of Waleswhere Judgement Day has set the standard since 2013. Now, the Emirates Lionsand Vodacom Bulls are bringing a cross-hemisphere flavour to a concept the leagueis keen to develop.