SCARLETS STATEMENT ON TOMORROW’S RESCHEDULED WELSH DERBY

SCARLETS STATEMENT ON TOMORROW’S RESCHEDULED WELSH DERBY

The Scarlets have expressed their regret and disappointment on behalf of their many supporters that today’s cancelled Boxing Day Magners League fixture between the Ospreys and the Scarlets has this evening (6.15pm) been rescheduled to 4.10pm tomorrow (27^th December 2010).

Chief Executive of the Scarlets, Mark Davies said: “We really feel for all of our supporters tonight – either those who travelled to the Liberty stadium in high spirits today only to have to return home, or those who are sadly unable to return for the rescheduled fixture tomorrow due to work or other commitments.

“Unfortunately the first that any of the Scarlets or board or management were aware of the problem was just as the announcement was made to the supporters outside the stadium at 2.45pm.

“The team were in fact informed at that time too and were already on their way to the stadium. 

“Our strong view and preference was that in the interests of the many thousands of supporters and the players that such a big game in the rugby calendar should be rescheduled to a mutually convenient date in forthcoming weeks.

“We finally received the notice that the game would be played tomorrow afternoon at 6.15pm this evening.

“We appreciate the challenges thrown up by the freezing conditions. We understand that the Liberty stadium team were working on these issues from first thing this morning and will be working through the night to allow tomorrow’s game to go ahead – telling us they are 99% confident that it will be on.” 

Mark Davies added that he knew there were many frustrated Scarlets this evening and added: “We offer a sincere apology to every one of those who took time from their festive celebrations to back our team and travel to this fixture in good faith only to find out late afternoon that it was off.

“We appreciate their continued support and pride in the Scarlets team and hope that many will now have the opportunity to be able to enjoy tomorrow afternoon’s fixture.

“We have made a strong request on behalf of the many supporters for this fixture that consideration is made to allow a refund of tickets for those unable to attend tomorrow.

“We understand that at this time this is not an option as there is a no refund policy in place. However, we will continue to pursue this on behalf of so many supporters given the timing and the exceptional circumstances surrounding the re-scheduling of this match.

“While it is a disruption to both sets of players and our players’ training and conditioning week for the New Year’s Day derby against the Dragons, we can promise that the whole squad will put it firmly behind them, start afresh tomorrow and give it their all as they have done all season.

“We would ask supporters to check the Scarlets and Ospreys websites for any updates on tomorrow’s game and any possible future refund policy on tickets for this game.”