Llanelli Scarlets are Wales’s sole representative and will be looking for a sizeable Welsh contingent to make the trip to Cardiff and cheer them on as they seek to inflict defeat on last season’s beaten English Cup finalists, Bath Rugby. The show kicks off with the all English encounter between London Wasps and Leicester Tigers.
London Wasps hold the advantage in the Guinness Premiership, but Leicester Tigers are the only English club side to have experience of playing at the Millennium Stadium. The Tigers beat Munster 15-9 in 2002 to win the Heineken Cup and would no doubt take a similar margin of victory on Saturday.
Tournament Director Terry Burwell said: “It just shows what a hit the new Powergen Cup has been already. Attendances were up over 12% on previous years in the pool stages and now to have hit the 45,000 mark for the semi-finals is fantastic.
“Holding the games in Cardiff makes it a really big occasion for fans on both sides of the River Severn and a chance for supporters to watch the best of English and Welsh club rugby. Fans of all four teams and rugby supporters in general are looking forward to a unique double header at one of the world’s best stadiums. It promises to be a great day out.”
After consulting with the semi-finalists, the roof will be closed on the Stadium and Premier Rugby Commercial Director Jon Varney added, “The atmosphere promises to be electric. Our teams are desperate to win the Powergen Cup and I know the players are also really excited about playing at the Millennium Stadium. The opportunity to watch two games of near international quality rugby for as little as £18 is a great deal and one I hope even more supporters take up.”
Steve Lewis, WRU Chief Executive said, “To have sold 45,000 semi-final tickets already is fantastic news for everyone. With such great clubs in the hunt for a place in the final, there will be a true festival of rugby on show at the Millennium Stadium on March 4th, not to mention two highly competitive games.
“The Scarlets will have a tough challenge on their hands but this competition has certainly brought out the best in them so far this season. They will need the whole of Wales to get behind them so that they can benefit from their ‘home’ advantage against three English cubs who are all bringing large contingents of fans to Cardiff.”
Tickets, which include both matches, cost £18 and £28 for adults and £9 or £14 for under-16s and are available from http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/ or 08705 582 582 and from the semi-final clubs.
Powergen Cup Semi-finals
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Saturday March 4
London Wasps v Leicester Tigers
Bath Rugby v Scarlets
