BaaBaas get a Scarlet date
Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:18
The Scarlets will mark the official opening of their new £23-million stadium, Parc y Scarlets, with a game against the world famous Barbarians selection.
The club has accepted an invitation to take a star-studded line-up to Wales on Saturday January 31.
The match will be part of a showcase event to officially open the 15,000 capacity new home of the Scarlets in front of a gathering of household names from the world of rugby and entertainment as well as high-profile members of the game's governing body, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).
Stuart Gallacher, chief executive of the Scarlets, said: "We wanted to host a showcase match to mark the start of a new chapter in our history at Parc y Scarlets. We are absolutely delighted that the Barbarians have agreed to this fixture.
"It should be a thrilling match. The Barbarians are held in very high esteem and as we know, by their very nature they bring exciting, adventurous rugby to each game. We are hoping for a mix of some of the world's top rugby players from both Northern and Southern hemispheres in what should be a great game of rugby and a memorable occasion.
"I know Nigel [Davies] and the squad are excited about the prospect – although they are very focused in their current campaign, it's a high-profile additional fixture for the team in the new year which I know they'll relish.
"We believe this will be a fitting way to celebrate our new home and to bring something extra special to our supporters and members this season to thank them for their continued commitment to our rugby region."
Barbarians' president, Micky Steele-Bodger said: "The great figures of Llanelli rugby have had close associations with the Barbarians for many years. R H Williams and Phil Bennett still hold the record for the most Baa-Baas' appearances by Welshmen while Derek Quinnell is a former captain of distinction who now serves on our committee as well as being president of the Llanelli Association.
"I might also add that in 1970 the Scarlets' chief executive Stuart Gallacher was the first member of the Llanelli club to be invited to play for us against a major touring side, the Springboks, at Twickenham.
"We also have fond memories of two earlier fixtures in 1965, to open new accommodation at Stradey Park, and 1972 when we came to Llanelli to play a part in their centenary celebrations. So next January when we come back again we will be honoured to complete a unique treble."
Parc y Scarlets officially becomes the home of the Scarlets in mid-November.
* Meanwhile the Barbarians confirmed that their 22-man squad for the match will be coached by Welshman, Kingsley Jones.
The composition of the squad will be announced in late December.
Before that, the club takes part in another historic first, the inaugural Rugby Union match at the revamped Wembley Stadium.
Their side to play in the Olympic Centenary Match against Australia on December 3 includes All Blacks Richie McCaw, Jerry Collins and Joe Rokocoko and Springbok World Cup-winning skipper John Smit together with Jean de Villiers, Bakkies Botha and Schalk Burger.
Barbarians fixtures 2008/09:
4 November: v Combined Services at Plymouth, Remembrance Match
3 December: v Australia at Wembley Stadium, London Olympic Centenary
31 January: v Scarlets at Llanelli, Parc y Scarlets Official Opening
18 March: v Blackheath at Rectory Field, 150th Anniversary Match
7 April: v Bedford Blues at Goldington Road, Mobbs Memorial Match
30/31 May: v England at Twickenham
June 2009: Overseas Tour to be announced
