Scarlets to launch their Heineken Cup campaign away to Harlequins

The Scarlets open their 2013-14 Heineken Cup campaign with an away fixture to one of last season’s quarter finalists Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop.

The Scarlets kick-off in Europe on Saturday 12th October at the Twickenham Stoop and the West Wales region will be keen to secure a strong start to the campaign with a point to prove against some of the best sides in Europe.

Scarlets and Harlequins last met in the European championship back in 2008/09 with the Aviva Premiership side victorious on both occasions.

Head Coach Simon Easterby captained a Scarlets side, at Stradey Park in October 2008, that included fellow coach Mark Jones and current stars Phil John, Deacon Manu Ken Owens and British and Irish Lion Jonathan Davies as Harlequins took a 22-29 victory.

Round Two will see the Scarlets welcome French newcomers Racing Metro 92 to heart and soul rugby country and a few familiar faces from domestic competition in new signings Jamie Roberts, Dan Lydiate and Jonny Sexton on Saturday 19th October, kick-off 6pm.

With adult Season Memberships starting from as little as £129 – just £7.58 per game – there hasn’t been a better time to join the Scarlets family and catch all of the Heineken Cup action at Parc y Scarlets.

Junior Season Members can take advantage of a fantastic rock bottom price package – just £8 for the entire season which include all 3 home Heineken Cup fixtures.

Head Coach Simon Easterby has a European pedigree as a player that speaks for itself with 56 European games to his name and knows full well the intensity, spirit and preparation required for the Heineken Cup. The former Irish and British Lions flanker said that Europe was the competition that lights the fire in coaches, players and Scarlets supporters alike.

Easterby said: “We had a dream start against Clermont in the opener last season with Jon (Davies) crossing for a try after just three minutes. Clermont were on the back of a record run of home wins and they weren’t expecting that from us.

“We showed in that first half just what we’re capable of against some of the powerhouses of Europe and we’ll be looking to reproduce that early form in this season’s campaign.

“Quins are a tough side and were unlucky to miss out to Munster in last year’s quarter final. Racing Metro will also be a tough challenge with a number of key new signings in their ranks but we have the ability to put strong performances together and the boys will chomping at the bit come October.”

“It is vital that we win our home games to give us a solid grounding going forward in the competition. There’s a lot of focused work going into our summer preparations which we are well into now and it’s all looking good.”

December will see the Scarlets face old friends ASM Clermont Auvergne in the back-to-back fixtures (Rounds 3 & 4), the first of which will be played at Stade Marcel-Michelin on Saturday 7th December before returning home to Parc y Scarlets on Saturday 14th December, kick-off 3.40pm.

Rounds Five and Six are away to Racing Metro and home to Harlequins in January.