This River play at New Year's Day Derby clash

This River will provide pre and post-match entertainment in the Magners Supporters Village ahead of the Welsh derby against the Cardiff Blues on Friday (KO 5.15pm).

A bumper New Year’s Day crowd is anticipated at the Liberty Stadium after an exciting Christmas weekend of rugby that saw the Ospreys take the honours at Parc Y Scarlets (21-14) on Boxing Day, before the Blues scored 39 unanswered second half points to defeat Newport Gwent Dragons 42-13 the following day.

Having already performed at the stadium twice this season, This River return by popular demand to rock the Village ahead of the big game, with their set getting underway when the Village opens for business two ahead of kick off at 3.15pm. As always, the band will be joined by non-playing members of the Ospreys squad who will spend time mingling with supporters and helping to pour pints for those enjoying a pre-match pint as they soak up the atmosphere and discuss the game before it gets underway.

As always, the ever popular interactive Kidszone will also be operating in the South and West Stand Concourse areas, featuring a range of rugby themed inflatables such as try line tussle, bungee run, and passing targets, while there will be additional inflatable fun in the Village, providing great fun for kids and older Ospreys alike.

The festive atmosphere will continue after the game, when the Village swings into life at the final whistle, with This River playing for an hour post-match, allowing fans to hang around after the game to debate the result while avoiding the immediate rush to get home.

Ospreys Managing Director, Roger Blyth, said:

“We are looking forward to what should be an excellent game between two local rivals who enjoyed good wins over the Christmas weekend, and with more than 11,000 tickets sold for the game already, there’s going to be an excellent atmosphere. This is what the Christmas holiday is all about, local rivals going head to head on the rugby pitch in front of a large and passionate crowd, looking to be the best in Wales.

“Off the pitch is going to be as exciting as the action on it. Introduced in the summer, the Supporters Village has proven to be a huge success with everybody attending games at the Liberty Stadium. It provides the perfect place to meet up with your friends for a quick pint before the match, with excellent entertainment to really build the atmosphere ahead of what promises to be a great game of rugby.”

Tickets are available to purchase now at the Liberty Stadium Ticket Office, via the Ticket Hotline on 08700 400 004, or online at www.ospreysrugby.com. Supporters are advised to purchase their tickets ahead of match day wherever possible, or to arrive at the stadium well ahead of kick-off, to avoid congestion.