Ospreys Return To Welford Road To Kick-off Euro Campaign

OSPREYS RETURN TO WELFORD ROAD TO KICK-OFF HEINEKEN CUP CAMPAIGN



The fixtures revealed today see the Ospreys travelling to Welford Roadfor their opening game on Sunday 11th October, a repeat of lastseason's opener when Sean Holley's side claimed a losing bonus pointin a 12-6 defeat. Next up is a Liberty Stadium fixture against Frenchside Clermont Auvergne the following Sunday, before a December doubleheader against Viadana, from Italy.

The final two fixtures will see the Ospreys travel to France before
hosting Leicester on the final weekend, for what is sure to prove anailbiting 80 minutes as was the case in January when a 15-9 Ospreyswin was enough to book both sides a place in the last eight.

Head Coach Sean Holley commented:

"The Heineken Cup always throws up an interesting series of fixturesand this year it is no different. We find ourselves with a schedulethat is very much a repeat of last season, starting and ending withtough games against Leicester Tigers, difficult French opposition andback-to-back games against an Italian side in December, so we knowwhat the challenges are and will be looking forward to them. We are used to being in a difficult Pool; last years three opponents all ended up as Champions of their respective domestic competitions but we still managed to qualify from the group."

"No doubt supporters will be very much focused on the games againstLeicester, but we realise that we face three very good teams. Clermont were runners up in last seasons Top 14 and, like Leicester have huge resources. We will therefore need to be playing consistently and positively if we are going to match our achievement of the last two seasons and progress to the knockoutstages once again. It's a fantastic tournament that promises todeliver twists and turns again this season, but we are excited aboutit. We've had some great Heineken Cup days at the Liberty Stadium, and we want more. The fixtures are a mouth watering prospect for our fans and we are working hard to reward them for their loyal support."

Heineken Cup 2009/10 Pool 3 Fixtures

Round 1

Sat 10th October ASM Clermont Auvergne V Viadana KO 16:00
Sun 11th October Leicester Tigers V Ospreys KO 12.45 (Sky Sports)

Round 2

Sat 17th October Viadana V Leicester Tigers KO 14.30 (Sky Italia)
Sun 18th October Ospreys V ASM Clermont Auvergne KO 12.45 (S4C)

Round 3

Sat 12th December Viadana V Ospreys KO 14.30 (Sky Italia)
Sun 13th December ASM Clermont Auvergne V Leicester Tigers KO 16:00

Round 4

Sat 19th December Ospreys v Viadana KO 14.30
Sat 19th December Leicester Tigers V ASM Clermont Auvergne KO 18:00(Sky Sports)

Round 5 15/16/17 January 2010

TBC Leicester Tigers V Viadana
TBC Clermont Auvergne V Ospreys

Round 6 22/23/24 January 2010

TBC Ospreys V Leicester Tigers
TBC Viadana V Clermont Auvergne