2019–20 Pro14

The 2019–20 PRO14 (also known as the Guinness PRO14 for sponsorship reasons) was the nineteenth season of the professional rugby union competition originally known as the Celtic League. It was the third season to be referred to as the PRO14 (the competition was named the Pro12 immediately prior to the addition of two South African teams).[1][2]

2019–20 Pro14
CountriesIreland Ireland
Italy Italy
Scotland Scotland
South Africa South Africa
Wales Wales
Date27 September 2019 – 12 September 2020
ChampionsLeinster (7th title)
Runners-upUlster
Matches played89
Attendance652,443
(average 7,331 per match)
Highest attendance27,437
Edinburgh v Glasgow (28 December 2019)
Lowest attendance1,500
Southern Kings v Connacht (1 March 2020)
Top point scorerIreland JJ Hanrahan
(Munster)
101 points
Top try scorerSouth Africa Rhyno Smith
(Cheetahs)
10 tries
Official website
www.pro14rugby.org

Fourteen teams competed in this season — four Irish teams: Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster; two Italian teams: Benetton and Zebre; two Scottish teams: Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors; two South African teams: Cheetahs and the Southern Kings; and four Welsh teams: Cardiff Blues, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets.

On 12 March 2020, the season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[3] It restarted on 22 August in a truncated format.

It was won by Leinster, their third consecutive Pro14 title, and the second occasion on which they had achieved a Perfect season by winning every match - a feat achieved by no other team in the competition's history.[4] [5]

Teams

Location of 2019–20 Pro14 teams in Great Britain and Ireland.
Location of 2019–20 Pro14 teams in Italy
Location of 2019–20 Pro14 teams in South Africa
Conference A; Conference B.
Team Coach /
Director of Rugby
Captain Stadium/

Stadia

Capacity
Italy Benetton New Zealand Kieran Crowley Italy Dean Budd Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso 6,700
Wales Cardiff Blues Australia John Mulvihill Wales Ellis Jenkins Cardiff Arms Park[lower-alpha 1] 12,125
South Africa Cheetahs South Africa Franco Smith
South Africa Hawies Fourie
South Africa Tian Meyer Free State Stadium 48,000
Ireland Connacht Australia Andy Friend Australia Jarrad Butler Galway Sportsgrounds[lower-alpha 2] 8,129
Wales Dragons England Dean Ryan Wales Cory Hill Rodney Parade 8,700
Scotland Edinburgh England Richard Cockerill Scotland Stuart McInally Murrayfield Stadium 67,144[lower-alpha 3]
Scotland Glasgow Warriors New Zealand Dave Rennie New Zealand Callum Gibbins
Scotland Ryan Wilson
Scotstoun Stadium[lower-alpha 4] 7,351
Ireland Leinster Ireland Leo Cullen Ireland Johnny Sexton RDS Arena
Aviva Stadium
18,500
51,700
Ireland Munster South Africa Johann van Graan Ireland Peter O'Mahony Thomond Park
Irish Independent Park[lower-alpha 5]
25,600[lower-alpha 6]
8,008
Wales Ospreys Ireland Allen Clarke Wales Justin Tipuric Liberty Stadium[lower-alpha 7] 20,827
Wales Scarlets New Zealand Brad Mooar
New Zealand Glenn Delaney
Wales Ken Owens Parc y Scarlets 14,870
South Africa Southern Kings South Africa Robbi Kempson (interim) South Africa JC Astle Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium 48,459
Ireland Ulster England Dan McFarland Ireland Iain Henderson Kingspan Stadium[lower-alpha 8] 18,196
Italy Zebre Ireland Michael Bradley Italy Tommaso Castello Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi[lower-alpha 9] 5,000

Competition format

League Stage

The fourteen teams are split into two conferences of seven teams, with each conference featuring two teams from Ireland and Wales plus one team from Italy, Scotland and South Africa.[6] To ensure a competitive balance, the teams are distributed approximately evenly between the conferences based upon their performance in the previous season.[7]

The regular season was due to be made up of 21 rounds. The original schedule was planned as follows –
6 home and 6 away games against each team in their own conference
7 games, either home or away, against the teams in the other conference
2 additional regional derbies[8][9]

  • Each Irish team plays the two Irish teams in the other conference, one at home and one away
  • Each Welsh team plays the two Welsh teams in the other conference, one at home and one away
  • The two Italian teams play each other twice, home and away
  • The two Scottish teams play each other twice, home and away
  • The two South African teams play each other twice, home and away

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

All teams played their normal schedule until round 13 after which an additional two rounds of derby matches were played by the 12 European teams.[10] The Southern Kings announced in August 2020 that they had voluntarily withdrawn from the league for the remainder of 2020 and therefore there will not be South African derbies.[11]

League Play-Offs

The first and second placed teams in each conferences will meet in the semi-finals. The winners of the semi-finals will then meet in the grand final.[12]

Champions Cup Qualification

The top four eligible European teams in both conferences automatically qualify for the 2020–21 European Rugby Champions Cup. (The South African teams do not compete in the Champions Cup.) Qualification is based on league position after round 13.

Team changes

Ireland

Connacht underwent a rebranding during the off-season, updating their team crest in the process.[13] During the course of the season, the planned redevelopment of the Sportsground was boosted by the commitment of €20 million from the Irish government.[14]

Leinster's highest profile departure in the off-season was Seán O'Brien, who made over 100 appearances and was the side's former vice-captain.[15] With captain Johnny Sexton and vice-captain Rhys Ruddock missing the start of the season due to the World Cup,[16] Scott Fardy served as team captain in the opening rounds.[17]

Munster's backs coach Felix Jones and forwards coach Jerry Flannery left the province when their contracts expired in June 2019.[18] Former attack coach for the Australian national team, Stephen Larkham, was signed by the province as a senior coach ahead of the season,[19] while Graham Rowntree joined as their new forwards coach after the completion of his duties with Georgia at the World Cup.[20] The team's regular captain, Peter O'Mahony, missed the opening rounds of the tournament due to the World Cup,[16] during which time Billy Holland captained the side.[21]

Long-serving Ulster captain Rory Best announced in April 2019 that he would retire from rugby after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.[22] Iain Henderson replaced Best as captain.[23] With Henderson unavailable in the opening rounds due to the World Cup,[16] the side was captained by Rob Herring.[24] Herring was later called up to the World Cup as an injury replacement,[25] and the captaincy went to Billy Burns.[26]

South Africa

Cheetahs announced in June 2019 that Hawies Fourie had replaced Franco Smith as their head coach.[27]

Wales

Then-Crusaders assistant coach Brad Mooar was confirmed as Wayne Pivac's replacement as Scarlets head coach in December 2018, with Pivac leaving the region to take over from Warren Gatland as Wales' head coach after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.[28] Scarlets also appointed then-Highlanders defence coach and former London Irish head coach Glenn Delaney as their new defence coach, replacing the outgoing Byron Hayward.[29]

Dragons announced the departure of head coach Bernard Jackman in December 2018, with Ceri Jones replacing Jackman on an interim basis for the remainder of the 2018–19 season, before the region confirmed in May 2019 that Dean Ryan would join in the newly created director of rugby position.[30]

Table

2019–20 Pro14 Table
Conference A
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP PTS
1Ireland Leinster (CH) 151500531216+31574289069
2Ireland Ulster (RU) 15816385306+7950407344[lower-alpha 10]
3Scotland Glasgow Warriors 15807364329+3553425138
4South Africa Cheetahs 13607342280+6248325232
5Wales Dragons 15519283415–13232491124
6Italy Zebre 153111230399–16929564321
7Wales Ospreys 152211205375–17021451417
Conference B
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP PTS
1Scotland Edinburgh (SF) 151104391225+16647275251
2Ireland Munster (SF) 151005426255+17153268351
3Wales Scarlets 151005354274+8046345247
4Ireland Connacht 15807302360–5841487140
5Italy Benetton 15618309350–4135425536
6Wales Cardiff Blues 15708283327–4430383233
7South Africa Southern Kings 131012204498–2942375037
If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order -[32]
  1. number of matches won
  2. the difference between points for and points against
  3. the number of tries scored
  4. the most points scored
  5. the difference between tries for and tries against
  6. the fewest red cards received
  7. the fewest yellow cards received
Green background indicates teams that compete in the Pro14 play-offs, and also earn a place in the 2020–21 European Champions Cup

Blue background indicates teams outside the play-off places that earn a place in the 2020–21 European Champions Cup
Red background indicates teams ineligible for European cup tournaments
Plain background indicates teams that earn a place in the 2020–21 European Rugby Challenge Cup.
(CH) Champions. (RU) Runners-up. (SF) Losing semi-finalists. (Q) Qualified for Pro14 play-off semi-finals. (e) Cannot reach play-offs.

    1. Cardiff Blues will also play a home game at Rodney Parade.
    2. Connacht will also play a home game at the Aviva Stadium
    3. Although Murrayfield's full capacity is 67,144, only the lower section of the East Stand, with a capacity of 12,464, is generally opened for Edinburgh fixtures.
    4. Glasgow Warriors will also play a home game at Murrayfield.
    5. Munster will also play a home game at the Aviva Stadium
    6. Thomond Park's official capacity is 25,600 but can be expanded up to 26,276 with temporary seating.
    7. Osprey's would also play several games at the 6,000 capacity The Gnoll in Neath.
    8. Ulster will also play a home game at the Aviva Stadium
    9. Zebre would also play a game at the 5,000 capacity Stadio Giovanni Mari in Legnano.
    10. Ulster deducted 1 point for administration error regarding Ian Madigan. [31]

    Conference Rounds 1 to 13

    All times are local.

    Round 1

    27 September 2019
    19:05
    (1 BP) Cheetahs South Africa48–14Scotland Glasgow Warriors
    Try: Pienaar 5' c
    Dweba 20' c, 33' c
    Small-Smith 52' c, 63' c
    Pokomela 60' m
    Koen 69' m
    Con: Pienaar (5/7) 6', 21', 34', 53', 64'
    Pen: Pienaar (1/1) 9'
    ReportTry: Frisby 28' c
    Nairn 50' c
    Con: Thompson (2/2) 29', 50'
    Free State Stadium
    Attendance: 4,528
    Referee: Daniel Jones
    27 September 2019
    19:35
    (1 BP) Ulster Ireland38–14Wales Ospreys
    Try: Gilroy 13' c, 50' c
    Jones 30' c
    Faddes 39' c
    Penalty Try 71'
    Con: Cooney (4/4) 14', 31' 40+1, 51'
    Pen: Cooney (1/1) 46'
    ReportTry: Evans 7' m
    Pen: Price (3/3) 4', 22', 37'
    Kingspan Stadium
    Attendance: 12,408
    Referee: Marius Mitrea
    28 September 2019
    15:00
    (1 BP) Munster Ireland39–9Wales Dragons
    Report
    Thomond Park
    Attendance: 10,878
    Referee: Ben Blain
    28 September 2019
    16:00
    (1 BP) Southern Kings South Africa27–31Wales Cardiff Blues (1 BP)
    Report
    Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
    Attendance: 2,077
    Referee: Mike Adamson
    28 September 2019
    17:15
    Scarlets Wales18–10Ireland Connacht
    Report
    Parc y Scarlets
    Attendance: 6,415
    Referee: Stuart Berry
    28 September 2019
    17:35
    (1 BP) Benetton Italy27–32Ireland Leinster (1BP)
    Report
    Stadio Comunale di Monigo
    Attendance: 3,695
    Referee: Ben Whitehouse
    28 September 2019
    19:35
    (1 BP) Edinburgh Scotland50–15Italy Zebre
    Report
    Murrayfield Stadium
    Attendance: 4,221
    Referee: George Clancy

    Round 2

    4 October 2019
    19:35
    (1 BP) Glasgow Warriors Scotland21–25Wales Scarlets
    Report
    Scotstoun Stadium
    Attendance: 6,897
    Referee: George Clancy
    4 October 2019
    19:35
    (1 BP) Leinster Ireland53–5Wales Ospreys
    Report
    RDS Arena
    Attendance: 11,259
    Referee: Stuart Berry
    5 October 2019
    15:00
    Southern Kings South Africa20–31Ireland Munster (1 BP)
    Report
    Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
    Attendance: 3,115
    Referee: Daniel Jones
    5 October 2019
    17:35
    Cardiff Blues Wales11–19Scotland Edinburgh
    Report
    Cardiff Arms Park
    Attendance: 5,190
    Referee: Frank Murphy
    5 October 2019
    17:00
    (1 BP) Zebre Italy28–52Wales Dragons (1 BP)
    Report
    Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
    Attendance: 2,100
    Referee: Sean Gallagher
    5 October 2019
    17:15
    (1 BP) Cheetahs South Africa63–26Ireland Ulster (1 BP)
    Try: Volmink (3) 8' c 21' c 42' c
    Smith (2) 27' c 45' c
    Dweba 36' c
    Fouche 49' c
    Venter 68' c
    Con: Pienaar (6) 9' 22' 29' 38' 43' 46'
    Schoeman 50' 69'
    Report
    Highlights
    Try: Carter 25' c
    Hume 58' c
    Shanahan 63'
    Gilroy 79' c
    Con: Cooney 26'
    Johnston (2) 58' 80'
    Free State Stadium
    Attendance: 4,582
    Referee: Ian Davies
    5 October 2019
    19:35
    (1 BP) Connacht Ireland41–5Italy Benetton
    Report
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 4,839
    Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge

    Round 3

    11 October 2019
    18:15
    (1 BP) Cheetahs South Africa40–16Ireland Munster
    Report
    Free State Stadium
    Attendance: 4,814
    Referee: Mike Adamson
    11 October 2019
    19:35
    Dragons Wales14–38Ireland Connacht (1 BP)
    Report
    Rodney Parade
    Attendance: 3,257
    Referee: Marius Mitrea
    11 October 2019
    19:35
    (1 BP) Leinster Ireland40–14Scotland Edinburgh
    Report
    RDS Arena
    Attendance: 12,712
    Referee: Ben Whitehouse
    12 October 2019
    15:00
    (1 BP) Scarlets Wales54–10Italy Zebre
    Report
    Parc y Scarlets
    Attendance: 6,424
    Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
    12 October 2019
    15:00
    Southern Kings South Africa17–42Ireland Ulster (1 BP)
    Try: Kruger 37' c
    Fortuin 68' c
    Con: Catrakilis 37'
    Jackson 68'
    Pen: Catrakilis 7'
    Report
    Highlights
    Try: Cooney (2) 1' c 31' c
    Marshall 13' c
    Herring 16' c
    Faddes 29' c
    Reidy 58' c
    Con: Cooney (6) 2' 14' 17' 30' 32' 59'
    Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
    Attendance: 2,807
    Referee: Craig Evans
    12 October 2019
    19:35
    Glasgow Warriors Scotland17–13Wales Cardiff Blues (1 BP)
    Report
    Scotstoun Stadium
    Attendance: 6,708
    Referee: Sean Gallagher
    12 October 2019
    19:35
    (1 BP) Ospreys Wales24–20Italy Benetton (1 BP)
    Report
    Liberty Stadium
    Attendance: 5,670
    Referee: Frank Murphy

    Round 4

    25 October 2019
    19:35
    (1 BP) Munster Ireland28–12Wales Ospreys
    Report
    Irish Independent Park
    Attendance: 7,311
    Referee: Stuart Berry
    25 October 2019
    19:35
    Ulster Ireland23–14Wales Cardiff Blues
    Try: Marshall 2' c
    Burns 19'c
    Con: Cooney (2) 3' 20'
    Pen: Cooney (3) 8' 45' 62'
    Report
    Highlights
    Try: Summerhill 42' c
    Boyde 56' c
    Con: Evans (2) 43' 57'
    Kingspan Stadium
    Attendance: 12,250
    Referee: Mike Adamson
    26 October 2019
    15:00
    Dragons Wales18–5Scotland Glasgow Warriors
    Report
    Rodney Parade
    Attendance: 3,673
    Referee: George Clancy
    26 October 2019
    15:00
    (1 BP) Benetton Italy36–30South Africa Southern Kings (1 BP)
    Report
    Stadio Comunale di Monigo
    Attendance: 3,694
    Referee: Daniel Jones
    26 October 2019
    17:15
    (1 BP) Connacht Ireland24–22South Africa Cheetahs (1 BP)
    Report
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 4,945
    Referee: Ben Whitehouse
    26 October 2019
    17:15
    (1 BP) Zebre Italy0–3Ireland Leinster
    Report
    Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
    Attendance: 2,500
    Referee: Craig Evans
    26 October 2019
    19:35
    (1 BP) Edinburgh Scotland46–7Wales Scarlets
    Report
    Murrayfield Stadium
    Attendance: 5,191
    Referee: Frank Murphy

    Round 5

    1 November 2019
    19:35
    (1 BP) Glasgow Warriors Scotland50–0South Africa Southern Kings
    Report
    Scotstoun Stadium
    Attendance: 6,789
    Referee: Joy Neville
    1 November 2019
    19:35
    (1 BP) Leinster Ireland50–15Wales Dragons
    Report
    RDS Arena
    Attendance: 10,568
    Referee: Andrewa Piardi
    1 November 2019
    19:35
    Ulster Ireland22–7Italy Zebre
    Try: Shanahan 20' c
    Penalty try 51'
    Lyttle 70'
    Con: Johnston 21'
    Pen: Johnston 32'
    Report
    Highlights
    Try: Bellini 1' c
    Con: Canna 2'
    Kingspan Stadium
    Attendance: 10,975
    Referee: Sam Grove-White
    2 November 2019
    15:00
    Scarlets Wales17–13South Africa Cheetahs (1 BP)
    Report
    Parc y Scarlets
    Attendance: 6,341
    Referee: Mike Adamson
    2 November 2019
    17:15
    Ospreys Wales10–20Ireland Connacht
    Report
    Liberty Stadium
    Attendance: 5,726
    Referee: Marius Mitrea
    2 November 2019
    17:15
    Benetton Italy18–16Scotland Edinburgh (1 BP)
    Report
    Stadio Comunale di Monigo
    Attendance: 3,676
    Referee: Ben Whitehouse
    2 November 2019
    19:35
    Cardiff Blues Wales23–33Ireland Munster (1 BP)
    Report
    Cardiff Arms Park
    Attendance: 5,256
    Referee: Stuart Berry

    Round 6

    8 November 2019
    19:35
    Connacht Ireland11–42Ireland Leinster (1 BP)
    Report
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 8,129
    Referee: Sean Gallagher
    8 November 2019
    19:35
    Edinburgh Scotland20–7Wales Dragons
    Report
    Murrayfield Stadium
    Attendance: 5,762
    Referee: George Clancy
    9 November 2019
    15:00
    (1 BP) Ospreys Wales14–16South Africa Southern Kings
    Report
    Liberty Stadium
    Attendance: 5,240
    Referee: Andrea Piardi
    9 November 2019
    15:00
    Zebre Italy7–31Scotland Glasgow Warriors (1 BP)
    Report
    Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
    Attendance: 2,000
    Referee: Ian Davies
    9 November 2019
    17:15
    Cardiff Blues Wales30–17South Africa Cheetahs
    Report
    Cardiff Arms Park
    Attendance: 5,698
    Referee: Ben Blain
    9 November 2019
    17:15
    Munster Ireland22–16Ireland Ulster (1 BP)
    Try: Stander 14' c
    Scannell 35'
    Conway 64' c
    Con: Hanrahan 14'
    Bleyendaal 66'
    Pen: Hanrahan 25'
    Report
    Highlights
    Try: Herring 49' c
    Con: Cooney 51'
    Pen: Cooney (3) 3' 19' 57'
    Thomond Park
    Attendance: 14,436
    Referee: Frank Murphy
    9 November 2019
    Scarlets Wales20–17Italy Benetton (1 BP)
    Report
    Parc y Scarlets
    Attendance: 6,147
    Referee: Andrew Brace

    Round 7

    29 November 2019
    19:35
    (1 BP) Munster Ireland16–18Scotland Edinburgh
    Report
    Irish Independent Park
    Attendance: 7,580
    Referee: Marius Mitrea
    29 November 2019
    19:35
    (1 BP) Ulster Ireland29–5Wales Scarlets
    Try: Faddes (2) 4' 78'
    Cooney 8' c
    Rea 16' c
    Baloucoune 27'
    Con: Cooney (2) 8' 17'
    Report
    Highlights
    Try: Morgan 74'
    Kingspan Stadium
    Attendance: 12,319
    Referee: Sam Grove-White
    30 November 2019
    15:00
    (2 BP) Benetton Italy28–31Wales Cardiff Blues (1 BP)
    Report
    Stadio Comunale di Monigo
    Attendance: 4,131
    Referee: Andy Brace
    30 November 2019
    17:15
    (1 BP) Connacht Ireland24–12South Africa Southern Kings
    Report
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 5,146
    Referee: Ben Whitehouse
    30 November 2019
    17:15
    Dragons Wales12–39Italy Zebre (1 BP)
    Report
    Rodney Parade
    Attendance: 3,332
    Referee: George Clancy
    30 November 2019
    19:35
    Glasgow Warriors Scotland10–23Ireland Leinster
    Report
    Scotstoun Stadium
    Attendance: 7,351
    Referee: Craig Evans
    30 November 2019
    19:35
    (1 BP) Ospreys Wales13–18South Africa Cheetahs
    Report
    The Gnoll, Neath
    Attendance: 2,347
    Referee: Joy Neville

    Round 8

    20 December 2019
    19:35
    (1 BP) Leinster Ireland54–42Ireland Ulster (1 BP)
    Try: Deegan (2) 2' c 62' c
    Penny (2) 15' c 22' c
    Henshaw 27' c
    McFadden 39'
    Kearney 44' c
    Kelleher 48' c
    Con: Byrne (7) 3' 16' 23' 28' 45' 49' 62'
    Report
    Highlights
    Try: Kernohan 8' c
    Faddes 35' c
    Gilroy 57' c
    Jones (2) 64' v 72' c
    Stewart 80+2'
    Con: Johnston (6) 10' 37' 58' 65' 73' 80+2'
    RDS Arena
    Attendance: 16,375
    Referee: George Clancy
    21 December 2019
    15:00
    (1 BP) Zebre Italy8–13Italy Benetton
    Report
    Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
    Attendance: 4,000
    Referee: Marius Mitrea
    21 December 2019
    17:15
    (1 BP) Connacht Ireland14–19Ireland Munster
    Report
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 8,129
    Referee: Andy Brace
    21 December 2019
    17:15
    Dragons Wales22–20Wales Scarlets (1 BP)
    Report
    Rodney Parade
    Attendance: 5,517
    Referee: Ben Whitehouse
    21 December 2019
    19:35
    (1 BP) Ospreys Wales16–19Wales Cardiff Blues
    Report
    Liberty Stadium
    Attendance: 6,664
    Referee: Daniel Jones

    1872 Cup 1st round

    21 December 2019
    17:45
    Glasgow Warriors Scotland20–16Scotland Edinburgh (1 BP)
    Report
    Scotstoun Stadium
    Attendance: 7,351
    Referee: Ben Blain

    Round 9

    26 December 2019
    15:00
    Cardiff Blues Wales16–12Wales Dragons (1 BP)
    Report
    Cardiff Arms Park
    Attendance: 12,125
    Referee: Nigel Owens
    26 December 2019
    17:15
    (1 BP) Scarlets Wales44–0Wales Ospreys
    Report
    Parc y Scarlets
    Attendance: 13,682
    Referee: Craig Evans
    27 December 2019
    19:35
    (1 BP) Ulster Ireland35–3Ireland Connacht
    Try: O'Connor 17' c
    Burns 22' c
    Baloucoune 43' c
    Herring 49' c
    Timoney 76' c
    Con: Cooney (4) 18' 23' 44' 50'
    Johnston 77'
    Report
    Highlights
    Pen: Fitzgerald
    Kingspan Stadium
    Attendance: 17,483
    Referee: Sean Gallagher
    28 December 2019
    13:00
    (1 BP) Benetton Italy36–25Italy Zebre (1 BP)
    Report
    Stadio Comunale di Monigo
    Attendance: 5,000
    Referee: Andrea Piardi
    28 December 2019
    18:00
    (1 BP) Munster Ireland6–13Ireland Leinster
    Report
    Thomond Park
    Attendance: 26,267
    Referee: Frank Murphy

    1872 Cup 2nd round

    28 December 2019
    15:00
    Edinburgh Scotland29–19Scotland Glasgow Warriors
    Report
    Murrayfield Stadium
    Attendance: 27,437
    Referee: Mike Adamson

    Round 10

    3 January 2020
    19:35
    (1 BP) Cardiff Blues Wales14–16Wales Scarlets
    Report
    Cardiff Arms Park
    Attendance: 12,125
    Referee: Frank Murphy
    3 January 2020
    19:35
    (1 BP) Ulster Ireland38–17Ireland Munster
    Try: Cooney 17. c
    Baloucoune 34' c
    Rea 42' c
    McCloskey 57' c
    Stockdale 61' c
    Con: Cooney (5) 18' 35' 43' 58' 62'
    Pen: Cooney 14'
    Report
    Highlights
    Try: Daly 9' c
    Scannell 65' c
    Con: Carbery (2) 10' 65'
    Pen: Carbery 39'
    Kingspan Stadium
    Attendance: 17,461
    Referee: Daniel Jones
    4 January 2020
    13:00
    Benetton Italy19–38Scotland Glasgow Warriors (1 BP)
    Report
    Stadio Comunale di Monigo
    Attendance: 4,667
    Referee: Nigel Owens
    4 January 2020
    15:00
    Dragons Wales25–18Wales Ospreys (1 BP)
    Report
    Rodney Parade
    Attendance: 6,421
    Referee: Andy Brace
    4 January 2020
    15:00
    (1 BP) Zebre Italy41–13South Africa Cheetahs
    Report
    Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
    Attendance: 2,200
    Referee: Sam Grove-White
    4 January 2020
    17:30
    (1 BP) Leinster Ireland54–7Ireland Connacht
    Report
    RDS Arena
    Attendance: 18,300
    Referee: Mike Adamson
    4 January 2020
    19:45
    (1 BP) Edinburgh Scotland61–13South Africa Southern Kings
    Report
    Murrayfield Stadium
    Attendance: 4,873
    Referee: Joy Neville

    Round 8 (South Africa)

    25 January 2020
    15:30
    (1 BP) Southern Kings South Africa30–31South Africa Cheetahs (1 BP)
    Report
    Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
    Attendance: 4,316
    Referee: Stuart Berry

    Round 9 (South Africa)

    1 February 2020
    17:00
    (1 BP) Cheetahs South Africa45–0South Africa Southern Kings
    Report
    Free State Stadium
    Attendance: 7,832
    Referee: Divan Uys

    Round 11

    14 February 2020
    19:35
    (1 BP) Glasgow Warriors Scotland56–24Italy Zebre
    Report
    Scotstoun Stadium
    Attendance: 6,692
    Referee: Joy Neville
    14 February 2020
    19:35
    (1 BP) Munster Ireland68–3South Africa Southern Kings
    Report
    Irish Independent Park
    Attendance: 6,854
    Referee: Nikoloz Amashukeli
    15 February 2020
    14:30
    (1 BP) Leinster Ireland36–12South Africa Cheetahs
    Report
    RDS Arena
    Attendance: 7,967
    Referee: Ben Whitehouse
    15 February 2020
    15:00
    (1 BP) Scarlets Wales9–14Scotland Edinburgh
    Report
    Parc y Scarlets
    Attendance: 5,639
    Referee: Frank Murphy
    15 February 2020
    19:15
    Dragons WalesP–PItaly Benetton
    Rodney Parade
    • Postponed due to bad weather. Game to be rescheduled for 6 March 2020.[33]
    15 February 2020
    17:15
    Ospreys Wales26–24Ireland Ulster (1 BP)
    Try: Watkin 15' c
    Otten (2) 24' 47'
    Con: Price 16'
    Pen: Price (3) 4' 28' 75'
    Report
    Highlights
    Try: Baloucoune 9' c
    Faddes 59' c
    McCloskey 67' c
    Con: Burns 10'
    Johnston (2) 60' 69'
    Pen: Burns 35'
    Liberty Stadium
    Attendance: 5,868
    Referee: Marius Mitrea
    15 February 2020
    19:35
    (1 BP) Connacht Ireland29–0Wales Cardiff Blues
    Report
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 4,512
    Referee: Stuart Berry

    Round 12

    21 February 2020
    19:35
    (1 BP) Edinburgh Scotland41–14Ireland Connacht
    Report
    BT Murrayfield Stadium
    Attendance: 5,367
    Referee: Marius Mitrea
    21 February 2020
    19:35
    Ospreys Wales13–21Ireland Leinster
    Report
    The Gnoll, Neath
    Attendance: 3,164
    Referee: Stuart Berry
    21 February 2020
    19:35
    Zebre Italy0–28Ireland Munster (1 BP)
    Report
    Stadio Giovanni Mari, Legnano
    Attendance: 3,300
    Referee: Daniel Jones
    22 February 2020
    19:35
    (1 BP) Glasgow Warriors Scotland34–19Wales Dragons
    Report
    Scotstoun Stadium
    Attendance: 6,203
    Referee: Sean Gallagher
    22 February 2020
    19:35
    Ulster Ireland20–10South Africa Cheetahs
    Try: O'Toole 7' c
    Baloucoune 45' c
    Con: Johnston (2) 8' 47'
    Pen: Johnston (2) 35' 59'
    Report
    Highlights
    Try: Blommetjies 65' c
    Con: Pienaar 67'
    Pen: Pienaar 38'
    Kingspan Stadium
    Attendance: 13,829
    Referee: Mike Adamson
    23 February 2020
    17:15
    (1 BP) Cardiff Blues Wales34–24Italy Benetton (1 BP)
    Report
    Cardiff Arms Park
    Attendance: 5,808
    Referee: Frank Murphy
    23 February 2020
    17:15
    (1 BP) Scarlets Wales36–17South Africa Southern Kings
    Report
    Parc y Scarlets
    Attendance: 5,965
    Referee: Andy Brace

    Round 13

    28 February 2020
    19:35
    Edinburgh Scotland14–6Wales Cardiff Blues
    Report
    BT Murrayfield Stadium
    Attendance: 5,678
    Referee: George Clancy
    28 February 2020
    19:35
    (1 BP) Leinster Ireland55–19Scotland Glasgow Warriors
    Report
    RDS Arena
    Attendance: 13,250
    Referee: Nigel Owens
    29 February 2020
    13:00
    Zebre ItalyP–PWales Ospreys
    Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
    • Postponed due to coronavirus fears. Awarded as a 0–0 draw
    29 February 2020
    15:00
    Benetton ItalyP–PIreland Ulster
    Stadio Comunale di Monigo
    • Postponed due to coronavirus fears. Awarded as a 0–0 draw
    29 February 2020
    17:00
    (1 BP) Munster Ireland29–10Wales Scarlets
    Report
    Thomond Park
    Attendance: 13,554
    Referee: Mike Adamson
    29 February 2020
    17:15
    Dragons Wales13–10South Africa Cheetahs (1 BP)
    Report
    Rodney Parade
    Attendance: 4,102
    Referee: Andrew Brace
    1 March 2020
    13:00
    Southern Kings South Africa19–29Ireland Connacht (1 BP)
    Report
    Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
    Attendance: 1,500
    Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni

    Round 11 (rescheduled game)

    6 March 2020
    19:35
    Dragons Wales25–37Italy Benetton (1 BP)
    Report
    Rodney Parade
    Attendance: 1,857
    Referee: George Clancy
    • Rescheduled from 15 February 2020.

    Additional Derby Rounds

    Round 14

    21 August 2020
    20:00
    (1 BP) Benetton Italy13–17Italy Zebre
    Report
    Stadio Comunale di Monigo
    Referee: Andrea Piardi
    22 August 2020
    15:00
    (1 BP) Scarlets Wales32–12Wales Cardiff Blues
    Report
    Parc y Scarlets
    Referee: Nigel Owens
    22 August 2020
    19:35
    Leinster Ireland27–25Ireland Munster (1 BP)
    Report
    Aviva Stadium
    Referee: Andrew Brace
    23 August 2020
    14:15
    Ospreys Wales20–20Wales Dragons
    Report
    Liberty Stadium
    Referee: Adam Jones
    23 August 2020
    16:30
    (1 BP) Connacht Ireland26–20Ireland Ulster (1 BP)
    Try: Porch 11' c
    Marmion 22' c
    Aki 54' c
    Aungier 78'
    Con: Carty (3) 11' 23' 55'
    Report
    Highlights
    Try: Stockdale 48' c
    Timoney 61' c
    Con: Burns 49'
    Madigan 62'
    Pen: Cooney (2) 5' 20'
    Aviva Stadium
    Referee: Frank Murphy

    1872 Cup 3rd round

    22 August 2020
    17:15
    Glasgow Warriors Scotland15–30Scotland Edinburgh
    Report
    Murrayfield
    Referee: Mike Adamson

    Round 15

    28 August 2020
    19:35
    Edinburgh Scotland3–15Scotland Glasgow Warriors
    Report
    Murrayfield
    Attendance: 700
    Referee: Ben Blain
    29 August 2020
    19:35
    Ulster Ireland10–28Ireland Leinster
    Try: Herring 53' c
    Con: Cooney 54'
    Pen: Cooney 67'
    Report
    Highlights
    Try: E. Byrne 2' c
    Penny 72'
    H. Byrne 77'
    Con: R. Byrne 4'
    H. Byrne 79'
    Pen: R. Byrne (3) 14' 20' 44'
    Aviva Stadium
    Referee: George Clancy
    30 August 2020
    15:00
    (1 BP) Munster Ireland49–12Ireland Connacht
    Report
    Aviva Stadium
    Referee: Frank Murphy
    30 August 2020
    20:00
    (1 BP) Zebre Italy9-16Italy Benetton
    Report
    Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
    Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi

    Judgement Day

    29 August 2020
    17:15
    Dragons Wales20–41Wales Scarlets (1 BP)
    Report
    Rodney Parade
    Referee: Craig Evans
    30 August
    17:00
    Cardiff Blues Wales29-20Wales Ospreys
    Report
    Rodney Parade
    Referee: Adam Jones

    Play-offs

    In a change to the normal format, the top two sides from each of the two conferences met in the two semi-finals to determine the finalists. The quarter-finals featuring the second and third teams in each conference were scrapped for the 2019–20 season.

     
    Semi-finalsFinal
     
          
     
    4 September 2020
     
     
    Ireland Leinster (A1)13
     
    12 September 2020
     
    Ireland Munster (B2)3
     
    Ireland Leinster27
     
    5 September 2020
     
    Ireland Ulster5
     
    Scotland Edinburgh (B1)19
     
     
    Ireland Ulster (A2) 22
     

    Semi-finals

    4 September 2020
    19:35
    Leinster Ireland13–3Ireland Munster
    Try: Kelleher 27' c
    Con: Sexton (1/1) 28'
    Pen: Sexton (2/3) 40', 67'
    ReportPen: Hanrahan (1/3) 5'
    Aviva Stadium
    Attendance: 0
    Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)


    5 September 2020
    19:35
    Edinburgh Scotland19–22Ireland Ulster
    Try: McInally 14'
    Graham 46'
    Dean 57'
    Con: Van der Walt (2/3) 47', 59'
    ReportTry: Lyttle 54'
    Herring 62'
    Andrew 75'
    Con: Burns (1/2) 55'
    Madigan (1/1) 76'
    Pen: Madigan (1/1) 80'
    Murrayfield Stadium
    Attendance: 0
    Referee: Frank Murphy (Ireland)

    Final

    12 September 2020
    19:35
    Leinster Ireland27–5Ireland Ulster
    Try: Lowe 12' c
    Henshaw 45' c
    Doris 71' c
    Con: R. Byrne (2/2) 14', 47'
    Sexton (1/1) 72'
    Pen: R. Byrne (2/2) 26', 44'
    ReportTry: Hume 3' m
    Aviva Stadium
    Attendance: 0
    Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)

    Attendances by club

    • Includes quarter-finals and semi-finals – the final is not included as it is held at a neutral venue. Due to the Conference A & B structure of 21 rounds in the Pro14, some teams played 10 league home games during the league stage, while others played 11. Does not include European Champions Cup play-off game.
    Club Home
    games
    Total Average Highest Lowest % Capacity
    Italy Benetton624,8634,1445,0003,67662%
    Wales Cardiff Blues646,2027,70012,1255,19064%
    South Africa Cheetahs421,7565,4397,8324,52812%
    Ireland Connacht635,7005,9508,1294,51273%
    Wales Dragons728,1594,0236,4211,85746%
    Scotland Edinburgh758,5298,36127,4374,22112%
    Scotland Glasgow Warriors747,9916,8567,3516,20393%
    Ireland Leinster790,43112,91918,3007,96770%
    Ireland Munster786,88012,41126,2676,85475%
    Wales Ospreys734,6794,9546,6642,34733%
    Wales Scarlets750,6137,23013,6825,63949%
    South Africa Southern Kings513,8152,7634,3161,5006%
    Ireland Ulster796,72513,81817,48310,97576%
    Italy Zebre616,1002,6834,0002,00054%

    Highest attendances

    DateGameStadiumAttendance
    28 December 2019Edinburgh (H) v Glasgow WarriorsMurrayfield Stadium27,437
    28 December 2019Munster (H) v LeinsterThomond Park26,267
    4 January 2020Leinster (H) v ConnachtRDS Arena18,300
    27 December 2019Ulster (H) v ConnachtRavenhill Stadium17,483
    4 January 2020Ulster (H) v MunsterRavenhill Stadium17,461
    20 December 2019Leinster (H) v UlsterRDS Arena16,375
    9 November 2019Munster (H) v UlsterThomond Park14,436
    22 February 2020Ulster (H) v CheetahsRavenhill Stadium13,829
    26 December 2019Scarlets (H) v OspreysParc y Scarlets13,682
    29 February 2020Munster (H) v ScarletsThomond Park13,554

    End of Season Awards

    PRO14 Dream Team

    The 2019–20 Pro14 Dream Team is:[34]

    Pos Player Team
    FB15Scotland Blair KinghornScotland Edinburgh
    RW14Australia Monty IoaneItaly Benetton
    OC13Samoa Rey Lee-LoWales Cardiff Blues
    IC12Ireland Stuart McCloskeyIreland Ulster
    LW11South Africa Duhan van der MerweScotland Edinburgh
    FH10South Africa Jaco van der WaltScotland Edinburgh
    SH9Ireland John CooneyIreland Ulster
    N88Fiji Viliame MataScotland Edinburgh
    OF7Ireland Will ConnorsIreland Leinster
    BF6Ireland Max DeeganIreland Leinster
    RL5Scotland Grant GilchristScotland Edinburgh
    LL4Australia Scott FardyIreland Leinster
    TP3Wales Leon BrownWales Dragons
    HK2South Africa Joseph DwebaSouth Africa Cheetahs
    LP1South Africa Pierre SchoemanScotland Edinburgh

    Award winners

    The 2019–20 Pro14 season award winners are:[35]

    Award Winner
    Players' Player of the Season South Africa Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh)
    Young Player of the Season Ireland Caelan Doris (Leinster)
    Coach of the Season England Richard Cockerill (Edinburgh)
    Golden Boot Ireland JJ Hanrahan (Munster)
    Top Try Scorer South Africa Rhyno Smith (Cheetahs)
    Tackle Machine Ireland Paul Boyle (Connacht)
    Turnover King Wales Josh Macleod (Scarlets)
    Iron Man Wales Matthew Screech (Dragons)

    Leading scorers

    Note: Flags to the left of player names indicate national team as has been defined under World Rugby eligibility rules, or primary nationality for players who have not yet earned international senior caps. Players may hold one or more non-WR nationalities.

    Notes

      References

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      3. "Coronavirus: Guinness PRO14 season suspended until further notice". Sky Sports. Sky UK. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
      4. "Pro14 final: Leinster beat Ulster 27-5 to win third straight title". BBC Sport. 12 September 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
      5. Skippers, David (29 August 2020). "Incredible Leinster complete perfect season in PRO14". PlanetRugby. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
      6. "Pro14: Who's in? How will conferences work? What about derby matches?". BBC Sport. 1 August 2017. Retrieved 2 August 2017.
      7. "Guinness PRO14 Championship Q&A". Pro14Rugby.org. 1 August 2017. Retrieved 30 May 2018.
      8. Lloyd, Matt; Griffiths, Gareth (30 June 2017). "South African sides Cheetahs and Southern Kings set to join Pro12". BBC Sport Wales. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
      9. Cummiskey, Gavin (7 July 2017). "Pro12 will be expanded to include two South African teams". The Irish Times. Retrieved 12 July 2017.
      10. "Pro14 to return in August with derbies". BBC Sport. 18 June 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
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      13. "Connacht launch new club crest and jersey for 2019/20 season". The42. 5 July 2019. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
      14. "Sportsground redevelopment awarded €20 million in government funding". Galway Daily. 10 January 2020. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
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      16. "Ireland's Rugby World Cup Squad Is Announced". irishrugby.ie. Irish Rugby Football Union. 2 September 2019. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
      17. "Three Changes as Cullen Names 23 to Face Edinburgh". Leinster Rugby. 10 October 2019. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
      18. "Coaching Duo To Leave The Province". Munster Rugby. 7 May 2019. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
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      21. "All You Need To Know | Munster v Dragons". Munster Rugby. 27 September 2019. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
      22. "Ireland captain Rory Best to retire from rugby after the World Cup". The42. 18 April 2019. Retrieved 9 May 2019.
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      24. "Jack McGrath one of three debutants selected for Ulster's Pro14 opener". The42. 26 September 2019. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
      25. "Herring set to join Ireland's World Cup squad as Cronin suffers injury". The42. 16 October 2019. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
      26. "Match Day Guide: Ulster v Cardiff". Ulster Rugby. 24 October 2019. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
      27. "Hawies Fourie named new Cheetahs coach". Sport24. 27 June 2019. Retrieved 30 June 2019.
      28. "Brad Mooar: Scarlets name Crusaders assistant as next head coach". BBC Sport. 3 December 2018. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
      29. "Glenn Delaney: New Zealander named as Scarlets defence coach". BBC Sport. 21 May 2019. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
      30. "Dean Ryan departs RFU to take up DOR role with Dragons". The42. 14 May 2019. Retrieved 14 May 2019.
      31. "Ulster docked point over Madigan mishap". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
      32. Competition Rule 3.5 "Summary of Key Rules". Pro14. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
      33. "BENETTON GUINNESS PRO14 FIXTURE POSTPONED". Dragons Rugby. 15 February 2020. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
      34. "Awards 2020: Guinness 19/20 Dream Team". GuinnessPro14. 9 September 2020. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
      35. "Edinburgh Scoop Double in Guinness PRO14 Awards". GuinnessPro14. 10 September 2020. Archived from the original on 18 April 2021. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
      36. "Players". Pro14. 14 September 2020.
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