Champions Leinster (3rd title) Dates 31 Aug 2012 – 25 May 2013 Attendance 1,106,873 Tries scored 536 | Runners-up Ulster Champion Leinster Rugby Matches played 135 | |
 | ||
Countries Ireland
Italy
Scotland
Wales Top point scorer Ian Madigan (Leinster)
(186 points) Top try scorer Tim Visser (Edinburgh)
(11 tries) Similar 2011–12 Heineken Cup, 2012–13 Heineken Cup, 2013–14 Heineken Cup, 2009–10 European Challeng | ||
The 2012–13 Pro12 League (also known as the RaboDirect Pro12 for sponsorship reasons) was the 12th season of the rugby union competition originally known as the Celtic League, the third with its current 12-team format, and the second with RaboDirect as title sponsor.
Contents
Ospreys were the defending champions, but they failed to qualify for the end-of-season playoffs.
The twelve teams that competed were the four Irish teams, Munster, Leinster, Connacht and Ulster; two Scottish teams, Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors; four Welsh teams, Cardiff Blues, Newport Gwent Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets; and two Italian teams, Benetton Treviso and newly created Zebre.
The title was won by Leinster, defeating Ulster 24-18 in the final.
Italy
Zebre replaced Aironi Rugby after they had their licence revoked by the Italian Rugby Federation for financial reasons. Roberto Manghi will become their Head coach for their début season.
Scotland
Big changes for Glasgow Warriors over the off season. A move to Scotstoun from their home of previous seasons, Firhill and head coach Sean Lineen making way for the former Scotland stand-off Gregor Townsend.
Ireland
New Zealander Rob Penney replaced Tony McGahan as director of rugby at Munster and fellow New Zealander Mark Anscombe replaced Brian McLaughlin as head coach of Ulster. Also at Munster, Paul O'Connell stepped down as captain, with Doug Howlett announced as his replacement.
Wales
Changes in personnel at the Welsh regions, with Phil Davies taking over the reigns at Cardiff Blues, Steve Tandy replacing Sean Holley as Ospreys head coach and former Ireland captain Simon Easterby succeeding Nigel Davies at the Scarlets, who takes over at Aviva Premiership side Gloucester. Scarlets also announce that Rob McCusker replaces Matthew Rees as captain for the upcoming season.
On 28 August 2012, the Welsh Rugby Union announced a new annual event which will feature all four regions playing in a doubleheader at Millennium Stadium (similar to the long-established London Double Header in the English Premiership). The first of these events will take place on 30 March 2013, and the initial contract will run for four years.
Fixtures
All times are local.
This match – originally scheduled to be held during Round 4, on 21 September 2012 – was postponed due to the death of Ulster player Nevin Spence in a farming accident on 15 September.
This match – originally scheduled to be held during Round 19, on 30 March 2013 – was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Semi-finals
The semi-finals were played on the weekend of 10/11 May 2013; these followed a 1 v 4, 2 v 3 system with the games being played at the home ground of the higher placed teams.
Final
The final was contested on Saturday, 25 May 2013, between the winners of the two semi-finals.
Leading scorers
Note: Flags to the left of player names indicate national team as has been defined under IRB eligibility rules, or primary nationality for players who have not yet earned international senior caps. Players may hold one or more non-IRB nationalities.
End of season awards
2012/2013 Dream Team