URC confirm new dates for Welsh derbies with Cardiff caveat

The United Rugby Championship (URC) have released new dates for three Welsh derbies which were postponed over the Christmas period.

All four Welsh regions missed out on festive games but the URC now has released plans for the games to be played.

However, it includes a fixture date for Cardiff which would overlap with a potential Challenge Cup semi-final match - should the Welsh capital side progress in that tournament.

They have however not released to the public what that contingency plan might be.

"Three games involving all four teams will take place between April and May and have been agreed in consultation with teams and the host broadcasters," said a URC statement. "Every effort was made to schedule these fixtures outside of the Six Nations window, which was a shared view of all stakeholders involved."

"Dragons take part in all three fixtures and will face Scarlets in Llanelli on Saturday, April 16 at 19:35, the following month they travel back to West Wales to face Ospreys in Swansea on May 8 at 15:00 before hosting Cardiff on May 13 in Newport at 19:35."

"In relation to the R9 fixture between Dragons and Cardiff, all sides are aware of the contingency options required should Cardiff progress to the semi-final stages of EPCR Challenge Cup on that weekend.

"The URC would like to express its thanks to all clubs and broadcasters involved in helping to reschedule these fixtures given the complexities involved."

RESCHEDULED WELSH DEBBIES:

Round 10 – Saturday, April 16

Scarlets v Dragons: KO 19:35 UK at Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli

Round 8 – Sunday, May 8

Ospreys v Dragons: KO 15:00 UK at Swansea.com Stadium, Swansea

Round 9 – Friday, May 13

Dragons v Cardiff: KO 19:35 UK at Rodney Parade, Newport