Welsh regional derbies details announced for Pro12 League

The details of this season's Welsh Pro12 derbies over the Christmas period have been agreed, with all four games to be televised live.

Cardiff Blues will begin proceedings by hosting Scarlets at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday, 21 December.

The Blues will again be at home on Boxing Day to face neighbours Newport Gwent Dragons, with Scarlets away to Ospreys later in the day.

And then on New Year's Eve, the Dragons will welcome Ospreys.

Scarlets won both of their Welsh derbies over the festive period last season, while the three other regions managed to win one each.

The RaboDirect Pro12 season begins on Friday, 31 August when Ospreys kick-off their title defence at Benetton Treviso. Ulster host Glasgow Warriors on the same night.

Welsh Christmas derby fixtures:

•Friday, 21 December - Cardiff Blues v Scarlets, Cardiff Arms Park, KO 19:05 GMT, live on BBC Two Wales

•Wednesday, 26 December - Cardiff Blues v Newport Gwent Dragons, Cardiff Arms Park, KO 14:05 GMT, live on BBC Two Wales

•Wednesday, 26 December - Ospreys v Scarlets, Liberty Stadium, KO 17:30, live on S4C

•Monday, 31 December - Newport Gwent Dragons v Ospreys, Rodney Parade, KO 19:05 GMT, live on S4C