Rugby's back this Sunday - and you can meet the players!

The game has been designated a Family Fun Day, with fairground rides, inflatable's and face painters all available to ticket-holders pre-match, while the players will also be mixing with supporters with the fun getting underway at 12noon, three hours ahead of kick-off.

The game against the Russians is the final chance for players to impress Scott Johnson and his coaching team ahead of the RaboDirect Pro12 opener against Leinster at the start of September, while the visitors are warming up for their first ever appearance at the Rugby World Cup. Having been pooled with Australia, Ireland, Italy and USA, they kick-off their campaign against the Americans on 15^th September in New Plymouth.

With the school holidays in full swing no doubt parents will be looking for things to do to keep their young Ospreylian busy, and Ian Gough said he's hoping to see some of them at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday:

"It's great to be back playing after what seems like a long summer off, and we're all really looking forward to getting back into action on Sunday. Russia are going to pose an interesting challenge for us, this looks like being the first time on tour they've selected a first choice team so we know that we are in line for a tough afternoon.

"With a Family Fun Day taking place at the stadium hopefully we'll see lots of our younger fans there enjoying the atmosphere. All the players will be out meeting the supporters before the game, giving them something back for their support, and hopefully it will go down well. We really appreciate their support and if we are to kick on this season then it's important that we all come together for the cause, which is Ospreylia."

Managing Director, Roger Blyth, added:

"We want to kick off the 2011/12 season in style with a special day out for all the family and we look forward to welcoming families from right across the region to the Liberty Stadium for the fun day at the Russia game.

"With kids tickets costing just £1, it is an affordable, fun, afternoon out for all the family that gets underway at midday, with the game itself kicking off at 3.00pm. What a way to get the new season underway!"

The family fun-day gets underway at midday, with an appearance from the matchday squad during the first hour to meet the young fans, sign autographs and pose for pictures, while non playing members of the squad will continue mingle with fans until nearer kick-off.

The fixture, and fun day, is also covered by the 2011/12 season-ticket, which is currently on sale, with prices starting at just £165 for a Category C ticket, equivalent to under £10 a game, and with up to four kids going free with a paying adult.

Tickets are now available to purchase from the Liberty Stadium, online at this link or via the Ticket Hotline on 0844 815 6665