The Ospreys have received the backing of their Premier League housemates as they prepare for the RaboDirect PRO12 play-offs next month.
The bonus point victory over Newport Gwent Dragons last weekend, followed by the draw between the Scarlets and Munster 24 hours later, secured a home semi-final for the Ospreys with a game to spare, and as the region prepares for a nailbiting end of the season, Swansea City star Leon Britton has said that along with his team-mates, he’s backing the Ospreys to regain the league crown they last won two years ago.
“We’re right behind them at the Swans, just as the Ospreys were behind us last for last season’s promotion push to the Premier League” said the midfielder, an integral part of the Swans success this season.
“Alun Wyn Jones was showing me the other day the video footage he took on his phone of the semi-final second leg win over Nottingham Forest.
“Both sets of players get on very well – particularly as we use the same training facilities – and we’re always talking about each other’s results.
“So everyone at the Swans are right behind the Ospreys – just like every passionate fan throughout the region - and back them to book their place in the final.”
Britton has been a mainstay of the Swans midfield during their rise up the leagues, making 300 appearances for the club in all four divisions, gaining plaudits for his performances as the Swans have taken the Premier League by storm this season, and he says that if the Ospreys can claim the PRO12 title, it would round off a memorable year for sport in the region:
“It’s been great for the city of Swansea that both football and rugby teams have done so well in their respective leagues.
“While we’ve been flying the flag for Wales in our first season in the Premier League, the Ospreys have done the same in the RaboDirect PRO12.
“There was a lot of excitement in Swansea when they won the final in 2010 and of course last season we saw them get to the semi-finals.
“Sporting success, as we have seen, can generate a real feel-good factor and sense of pride for an area.
“It would really put the gloss on what has been a very successful season of sport in the city.”
Tickets for the home semi-final at the Liberty Stadium on Friday 11th May are on sale now from the Liberty Stadium Ticket Office, via the Ticket Hotline on 0844 815 6665, or at www.ospreysrugby.com/buytickets.
Existing 2011/12 season-ticket holders have until 5.00pm on Sunday 29th April to secure their match ticket at half price, through this special link at the Ospreys website.