Supporters link up with their Scarlets heroes as new season kick-off beings 

The Scarlets warmly welcomed back their international stars tonight and kicked off excitement in 2012/13 season with a free family night of entertainment for supporters hosted at Parc y Scarlets.

The whole squad turned out to meet season ticket holders and their families with live interviews hosted by Sarra Elgan who chatted with Simon Easterby, George North, Rhys Priestland, Kieran Murphy and new captain Rob McCusker.

Supporters enjoyed meeting their Scarlets heroes with plenty of young supporters enjoying the inflatables and mini rugby skills sessions inside the Scarlets indoor arena.

Scarlets Head Coach Simon Easterby said: “The pre-season has been going very well, it’s great to have all our squad back and reunited now and the work ethic this summer has been excellent in this group.

“I’ve said to the players and they’ve said it to me and amongst themselves that our time in development is done and we now need to produce some consistent results in both the league and the Heineken Cup. We’ve come in the top five for two years and now we want to really kick on and start challenging as a group.

“We’re under no allusions that we have some tough games ahead in Europe particularly but this is what it is about and we want to retain our open, expansive style but have a steely edge to our performances and it’s time to deliver for this region.

“We’re very grateful to all our loyal supporters and season ticket holders and thank them for all they do throughout the season to back our region, we also know that the more success we have on the field, the greater the impact on crowds and attracting new people to Parc y Scarlets.”

With the new rugby season kick-off at Parc y Scarlets against European champions Leinster a few weeks away, the Scarlets are building excitement and anticipation amongst supporters after unveiling their new kit for 2012/13.

Scarlets and Wales outside half Rhys Priestland told supporters that the frustrations of coming so close to achieving semi-final place in the RaboDirect Pro12 last season would spur the side on.

He said: “We have come close in the past two seasons but all the boys know that we have to get some results now for West Wales rugby. It’s good to be back at Parc y Scarlets with our region after the break from rugby and our thanks to all the supporters who turn up for our games, the better the crowds the more it can impact on our results – it does give an extra lift. We know it’s a two-way thing though – we have to play attractive, winning rugby that people want to some and see and enjoy.”

New Captain Rob McCusker said the team’s training camp in early August and game against Narbonne would unite the players with the players were looking forward to their week in France.

He said: “We’re looking forward to it but it’s no holiday, the training is tough in the heat and there will be plenty of team building exercises to challenge us all – so if it’s anything like last year’s trip we will have plenty to get through.

“We have some competitive pre-season fixtures to get into as well including London Welsh at home on August 25th which will be a great afternoon and important for us to get a decent crowd as it’s Iestyn Thomas’ testimonial game.

“The pre-season fixtures are important as we finalise our preparations for the kick-off against Leinster in early September at home in the RaboDirect Pro12 – the next five weeks are crucial in getting our season off to a good start.”