Pro 12

If you spend any time reading online rugby forums, there is a chance that at some point you will have seen a debate regarding whether the Northern Hemisphere season needs restructuring.

With ever week comes another rumour, story or announcement that a Welsh player is leaving their region for pastures new.

Ian Madigan kept Leinster's scoreboard ticking over as they failed to get into the game with the loss of their international stars.

The RaboPro12 teams made sure that it was not only a thrilling weekend for international rugby but for league rugby as well with some very closely contended games, which were won in the dying seconds.

RaboDirect Pro12: Week 15 Review

RaboDirect Pro12: Week 15 Preview

After this weekend there is a strong 14 points that separates Leinster at the top of the leader board from Welsh side Ospreys who narrowly beat Edinburgh this weekend.

During a busy Six Nations, the Celtic and Italian sides are in action this weekend, with squads being stretched due to the unavailablity of international stars.

Competitive sport is often an emotional roller coaster. It's a highly evocative experience that frequently pulls all sorts of emotions from deep within us.

What a weekend this was in the Rabo Pro12 league, some very intense games that were enough to raise your heart rate and some first class finishes.

However, one aspect of the game that has come under heavy fire for some time now is the RaboDirect Pro12.

After a draw last weekend Glasgow won the 1872 Cup as they saw off Edinburgh.

Dragons have retained the same XV that lost away to Cardiff last week, while Scarlets have only retained one player.

Boxing day rugby has become something of a tradition; in fact boxing day without rugby would be somewhat bizarre and this weekend did not disappoint with a multitude of derby's in Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The RaboDirect Pro12 returns during this festive period, with 4 rounds of European rugby complete.

When asked to write an article about the young crop of talent emerging from the Scarlets I could not have been happier.

The Pro12 leaderboard has a new team at the top after a weekend of some fantastic rugby which saw some close games and a couple of teams getting absolutely battered.

Ulster have been very poor for weeks now but they have recalled the likes of Stephen Ferris and Rory Best which is a huge boost.

After a couple of weeks break for Heineken Cup matches the Pro12 league is back and was packed with thrilling games.

Domestic rugby returns this weekend after the Heineken Cup period. On Thursday, Cardiff Blues came away with a bonus point win at home to Aironi.