Regional rugby will return to Bridgend this season after it was confirmed that the Ospreys will again host their LV= Cup fixtures at the Riverside Hardware Brewery Field.
2011 Heineken Cup finalists Northampton Saints will be the visitors for an eagerly awaited clash on Saturday 22nd October, kicking off at 6.00pm, before Bridgend hosts a Welsh derby against Newport Gwent Dragons on the weekend of 27/28/29 of January.
The decision to host the fixtures at Bridgend was made following the overwhelming success of last season’s LV= Cup campaign, that saw the local community truly getting behind the Ospreys, roaring them onto victories against Leicester Tigers and London Wasps.
The decision was welcomed by some of the Ospreys’ Bridgend born talent, who are looking forward to ‘going home’ for these matches.
Scrum-half Rhys Webb said:
“We really enjoyed playing in Bridgend for the Ospreys last season. It was a fantastic experience for the whole squad but for players like myself who come from Bridgend it was extra special as it meant we could play regional rugby at our home ground, in front of our friends and family.
“To be going back there is fantastic and I really can’t wait.”
Ospreys Managing Director, Roger Blyth, commented:
“The decision to take the two games to Bridgend RFC last season was an overwhelming success, and the response of the rugby and business communities in the town was simply fantastic.
“Support for the Ospreys is growing month on month, and the fact that we have backed up our words about Bridgend being integral to the future success of the region with actions has really made a difference to the local community. We are all looking forward to these two games which should prove to be two more wonderful occasions for Ospreylia.”
Chief Operations Officer, Andrew Hore, added:
“Bridgend has a long and proud rugby history and we delighted that the Ospreys are able to help keep that tradition alive. The Bridgend District is a massive part of Ospreylia and will play a huge part in helping us to achieve our aims. We are excited about going back to the Brewery Field to play these games.
“The local rugby community remains strong there, and turned out in numbers for us last season and we hope to see them coming out to support the Ospreys again. There will be a number of Bridgend youngsters likely to be involved in these matches and I know that they will thoroughly enjoy playing ‘at home’. Likewise, the wider group also now fully understand what Bridgend means to the Ospreys and what the Ospreys means to Bridgend after the wonderful experiences there last season.”
Ticketing details for the game will be confirmed shortly.