RaboDirect PRO12 Backs Rugby Expo 2011:

PRO AND COMMUNITY CLUBS TO JOIN RUGBY’S GREAT DEBATE

Senior figures from leading rugby clubs in Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Italy will join their counterparts from around the world at Rugby Expo 2011 at Twickenham on November 23 and 24 following an agreement between the RaboDirect PRO12 and organisers Rugby Ventures.

The agreement will also see the RaboDirect PRO12 clubs making complimentary tickets available to community clubs in their local areas, ensuring that Rugby Expo 2011 is the most inclusive gathering of the rugby community at both professional and grass roots levels.

The backing of RaboDirect PRO12 is a significant step for Rugby Expo 2011 which also has the support of the International Rugby Board, Rugby Football Union, Scottish Rugby Union and Premiership Rugby.

John Feehan, CEO of RaboDirect PRO12 welcomed the partnership.

“We are delighted to be part of this great event and to be able to involve our community clubs and to provide them with the opportunity to join the wider rugby community and to benefit from the knowledge, expertise and insight to help them operate more effectively both on and off the field,” he said.

Rugby Expo 2011 has a distinctive new format designed to enhance the experience of every visitor.

While Day One will focus on the key issues facing the fast-developing professional game, Day Two will be dedicated to community clubs.

Plenary sessions, which will take place in an auditorium created in the exhibition hall, will be complemented by a series of high-value workshops designed to ensure that every delegate leaves armed with great ideas to take back to their clubs.

Each workshop will be led by experts able to draw on wide ranging experience inside and beyond the world of rugby, to deliver real value.

John Hockey, chairman of Rugby Expo 2011 organisers Rugby Ventures said:

“We’re delighted to welcome RaboDirect PRO12 and its clubs to Rugby Expo 2011. Their involvement will add significantly to the event and the quality and value of the debates and discussions.

“Rugby Expo 2011 is set to underscore the event’s reputation as the key conference, and meeting place for the world of rugby.”