SCARLETS CONFIRM PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES

The Scarlets have confirmed three pre-season friendlies as they gear-up to an exciting new season of heart and soul rugby at Parc y Scarlets in 2011/2012.

With season ticket sales up 20% like-for-like at the West Wales region, the Scarlets are hoping for wide-spread support from the growing support base for the summer rugby fixtures.

Part of the August campaign and pre-season preparations for the Scarlets squad will include a training camp in France culminating in a friendly fixture with French club rugby giants Clermont who have invited the Scarlets to play them in their pre-season preparations after the Scarlets’ eye-catching brand of rugby stirred home and away support and praise in Europe last season.

The pre-season fixtures will kick off with a home fixture against Rotherham Titans on Saturday 13th August kick-off 12 noon the same day as Wales welcome England to the Millennium Stadium ahead of the World Cup.

Parc y Scarlets will be set to host a big summer rugby day out with the Scarlets on show at midday followed by big screen entertainment of Wales v England – with extended opening hours in Parc y Scarlets hospitality lounges.

The third and final friendly will see the Scarlets take on the Aviva Premiership side Exeter Chiefs on Saturday 27th August away, kick off 3pm.

Scarlets Commercial Director, Rupert Moon said: “If you look at the Scarlets’ previous form, we seem to do well in World Cup years too and there’s plenty to get excited about going forward into next season at heart and soul rugby country here at Parc y Scarlets both on and off the field.

“The pre-season friendlies are a great way to kick start our season ahead of the competitive fixtures at the beginning of September and it’s a chance for our supporters to see some new faces in action. With a number of new players joining the Scarlets squad and some more exciting young Welsh talent coming through, it will a chance for everyone to spot some of the future stars of the 2011/2012 season.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to a great day of summer rugby on Saturday 13th August.”