“After listening to feedback from both the clubs and fans, we have been able to take initial steps to restructure our season that puts the emphasis on creating the best experience possible for supporters” said Martin Anayi, Managing Director of PRO12 Rugby.
A new regular ‘appointment to view’ time of 19:35 on a Friday evening has been introduced for the new season. This ensures fans know where to catch the action, with the majority of Friday evening matches will take place at this time during the season.
“In Wales, we have managed to open a weekly Saturday evening slot on S4C – with the amount of Sunday games reduced to just three across the whole season – including two on New Year’s Day. This is something the fans in Wales had been asking us for and we are happy we could get it in place for this season” Anayi continued.
Newport Gwent Dragons open their campaign away to Ulster on Friday 2nd September at Kingspan Stadium where they are likely to come up against 2016 European Player of the Year nominee Charles Piutau in his first match in an Ulster shirt.
The Dragons then host Zebre on Friday 9th September (K.O. 19:15) in their first PRO12 match of the season at Rodney Parade.
The Men of Gwent then welcome Munster, Glasgow Warriors, Connacht and Edinburgh Rugby to Rodney Parade before Christmas with three Friday night matches, one on Saturday afternoon and one Sunday afternoon.
Away trips have also been confirmed to Benetton Treviso, Scarlets, Ospreys and Leinster before Christmas.
The Festive Fixtures see the Dragons travel to BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on Boxing Day for a Derby against Cardiff Blues before hosting Ospreys at Rodney Parade on New Year’s Day.
Confirmed Fixtures - Rounds 1-13
Fri 2nd September – 19:35
Ulster Vs Newport Gwent Dragons
Fri 9th September – 19:15
Newport Gwent Dragons Vs Zebre
Sat 17th September – 17:15
Newport Gwent Dragons Vs Munster
Fri 23rd September – 20:05
Benetton Treviso Vs Newport Gwent Dragons
Fri 30th September – 19:35
Newport Gwent Dragons Vs Glasgow Warriors
Sat 8th October – 19:35
Scarlets Vs Newport Gwent Dragons
Sat 29th October – 15:00
Ospreys Vs Newport Gwent Dragons
Fri 4th November – 19:15
Newport Gwent Dragons Vs Connacht
Sun 27th November – 15:30
Newport Gwent Dragons Vs Edinburgh Rugby
Sat 3rd December – 19:35
Leinster Vs Newport Gwent Dragons
Mon 26th December – 14:05
Cardiff Blues Vs Newport Gwent Dragons
Sun 1st January – 17:05
Newport Gwent Dragons Vs Ospreys
Fri 6th January 19:15
Newport Gwent Dragons Vs Benetton Treviso
Dragons Season Memberships are available now, giving access to all 16 matches (including Judgement Dat at Principality Stadium) starting at just £129. For more information please click here.
To buy individual match tickets, starting at just £10 for Adults and £5 for Juniors and Concessions, please click here.
Fixtures for Rounds 14-22 of the Guinness PRO12 competition have also been confirmed, with specific dates and kick off times to be confirmed nearer the time.
Weekend of Fri 10th February
Munster Vs Newport Gwent Dragons
Weekend of Fri 17th February
Connacht Vs Newport Gwent Dragons
Weekend of Fri 24th February
Newport Gwent Dragons Vs Leinster
Weekend of Fri 3rd March
Glasgow Warriors Vs Newport Gwent Dragons
Weekend of Fri 24th March
Newport Gwent Dragons Vs Ulster
Weekend of Fri 7th April
Zebre Vs Newport Gwent Dragons
Weekend of Fri 14th April
Newport Gwent Dragons Vs Scarlets - Principality Stadium
Weekend of Fri 28th April
Edinburgh Rugby Vs Newport Gwent Dragons
Weekend of Fri 5th May
Newport Gwent Dragons Vs Cardiff Blues
