Firstly, we would like to welcome back Ospreys supporters to Swansea.com Stadium for our first home game of the 22/23 BKT United Rugby Championship season.
We would also like to welcome the Emirates Lions on their first visit to Swansea in the second round of the URC.
While we enjoyed having our home supporters join us at the Brewery Field for our successful pre-season game against Northampton Saints, as they say, there is no place like home.
The first home game is always special and home crowds really do make a significant difference. We are excited to be back in our fortress with our supporters cheering us on and knowing you have our backs.
Our first game of the season against Scarlets was a tough outing with a nail-biting finish, and while we may have only walked away with a draw, as last season proved, one point can make all the difference.
I am immensely pleased with the character the team showed. The defensive set in our 22m pushing the opposition back, over 25 phases to turn it around, muscle our way up pitch and create an opportunity to draw is incredible. We can walk away with pride on how we fought back, which is a great reflection on the team.
It is that character we’ll be looking to build on when we take the pitch against the Emirates Lions.
We learnt a lot from playing the South African sides in the first URC season and are looking to take those learnings forward against the Emirates Lions and other SA teams.
We know that we need to adapt and learn when playing them, and our experience last season has given us a greater understanding of what that looks and feels like.
The South African’s are known for their breakdown physicality and set piece, so we will be mindful of those areas and try edge those contests.
We look forward to building on last year’s success and defending the URC Welsh Shield, ensuring it stays home, at Ospreys.
Thank you all for your continued support.
Toby Booth
Head Coach