A CELTIC CHRISTMAS

The action kicks off on Boxing Day afternoon when the Scarlets visit the Gnoll to face the Ospreys. After their defeat in Munster the Neath-Swansea side will be looking for a return to winning ways although the Scarlets have been rejuvenated in recent weeks and have the opportunity to leap-frog the Dragons and become the second highest placed Welsh side in the league table.

The other four games are all on Monday 27th, and with the Borders having a bye week Glasgow will travel to Edinburgh as real contenders for a top four finish after their thumping win over Connacht last time out. Edinburgh have had a difficult time of late and will hope that success against their fellow countrymen will put some distance between themselves and The Borders.

Over the water Leinster entertain Ulster and Connacht host Munster, with the Munstermen knowing that a big win in the west could see them in pole position entering the New Year. Leinster meanwhile will not want to see much space opening between themselves and the top two when Ulster visit Donnybrook.

The round’s final game has The Dragons entertaining the Blues, with the Dragons hoping that they can return to their fine home form of the early season after defeat in their last three games which has seen them slip to fifth place.