THE future of regional rugby's Judgement Day is in doubt with no agreement in place to host the Guinness Pro12 double-header derby day at the Millennium Stadium next Easter.
The Welsh Rugby Union has publicly called for Judgement Day III to go ahead and have the weekend of April 24-26 pencilled in their diary.
Launched in 2013, the back-to-back clashes are treated as home matches for Cardiff Blues and Newport Gwent Dragons as they host the Ospreys and the Scarlets in alternate seasons.
New terms for hosting the games at the Millennium Stadium must be agreed, however, because the previous arrangement expired with the old 'Participation Agreement' – the agreement between the WRU and Regional Rugby Wales which was ended in January.
But the WRU has already taken steps to ensure that Judgement Day III remains in the calendar for 2015, blocking off the relevant weekend in the Millennium Stadium's diary, and is confident that all parties will see the value in retaining this flagship event.
The Union also recently wrote to the regions suggesting that the Millennium Stadium could stage the event in April and has asked for a meeting to progress plans.
"The WRU is looking forward to continuing the partnership with Cardiff Blues and the Newport Gwent Dragons which has produced two successful Judgement Day events at the Millennium Stadium,” said a WRU spokesperson.
"The Millennium Stadium has a date in its diary for the event and has indicated to both parties its desire to meet and discuss terms for Judgment Day III.
"The terms for hosting Judgement Day were initially covered under the old participation agreement, which has now terminated, but the WRU is keen to meet and agree new terms as quickly as possible.”
The inaugural event in March 2013 drew a crowd of 36,174, with the Scarlets beating the Dragons 28-20 and the Ospreys defeating the Blues 23-16.
But last season the attendance was down to 30,411, amid some criticism over the scheduling, with the games being played on Easter Sunday.
Judgement Day II saw the Blues claim a 17-13 victory over the Scarlets, while the Ospreys overcame the Dragons 20-10.
The Blues are due to face the Ospreys in April, with the Dragons taking on the Scarlets.
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