Rugby match moves to accommodate cricket in Pretoria

UPDATE: The kick-off time for the United Rugby Championship Round Nine match between the Bulls and Lions on January 27 has been moved to an earlier time slot.

The Jukskei derby at Loftus Versfeld was set for a 17.00 SA time (15.00 GMT) kick-off time in Pretoria.

However, to not compete with the SA20 cricket which is on at the same time, the URC has accommodated this fixture time change and will now begin at 15.00 SA Time (13.00 GMT)

The Bulls revealed that the derby will also celebrate the back-to-school season which will see all kids under 18 enter the stadium for free.

Bulls Chief Executive, Edgar Rathbone says the decision to move the kick-off times is for the betterment of both rugby and cricket.

“We appreciate that our province is one that many championship teams call home and that presents the unique challenge of trying to ensure that our fixture schedules to clash as far as we can control.

"We believe that this effort will allow families to have a full day of LIVE sports which will start at the home of rugby in the North for the derby and then move on to Centurion Park for some cricketing action,”

“The earlier kick-off time slot allows our visitors enough time to move between the two stadiums, especially when you consider the connected transport system between Tshwane and Centurion.”

“We tout our stadium as being the place to be for the entire family and as our young ones return to school, we are happy to open the gates for them to enjoy some fun in the sun before their academic calendar kicks into gear. They will have a bucket load of fun as the D-field market will have some exciting fun and games awaiting them,”

“We would like to thank our friends from Johannesburg, the Lions for being collaborative and agreeing to the time move and I am confident that we will give sport fans from across this great province a memorable day of entertainment.”