EIRIAS, which was recently unveiled as the home of RGC 1404 and the WRU National Academy in North Wales, has been preparing for a big crowd for their first international fixture.
EIRIAS manager, Mally Tidswell commented: “It has been a lot of work getting everything ready for this fixture but we’re now very much looking forward to welcoming spectators to the ground and hopefully cheering on a Welsh win for the Under 20 team.
“We have a big crowd coming along tomorrow night which is very pleasing. It’ll be fantastic for the team to have all that home support and shows the rugby support there is here in North Wales.
The Welsh Rugby Union praised Conwy council and the Welsh Government for seizing the opportunity to create a top class community and sports facility at a key location in the north for the three home Six Nations internationals to be played at.
The high standard of facilities installed as part of the £6.5m development of the Events Centre are aligned to the level required to deliver elite rugby performance.
WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis said: “Uniting Wales as a nation has been at the heart of our ambition. I am so proud that together, the Welsh Rugby Union, with Conwy council and the Welsh Government are bringing the people of Wales together, united in our love of the game.”
WRU Head of Rugby Joe Lydon has no doubt the region is set to play a major role in the development of future stars of the game.
“The strong support these three internationals will attract proves that the appetite for elite rugby here in the north is huge,” he says.
“There are six thousand players in North Wales and the wider following for rugby is as passionate as it is in any other part of the country. The people of North Wales deserve for that enthusiastic support to be recognised and honoured by the governing body.
“Basing the three U20 internationals against Scotland, Italy and France at EIRIAS was a big shared logistical task but we were glad to take it on in partnership with the EIRIAS staff.
“It is so important for us to make a statement which shows the rugby world that North Wales is a real priority and important strategic base for our game.
“History tells us the talent exists in this region with the likes of Dewi Bebb, Steve and Andy Moore, Robin McBryde, George North and many others already winning senior international honours.
“The facilities at EIRIAS are excellent and North Wales now has a sporting complex it can be truly proud of.”
Cllr Graham Rees, Conwy’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Modernisation said, “We’re delighted that EIRIAS is to play host to the Under 20s Six nations 2012 Tournament. We’re anticipating attracting large numbers of spectators from a wide area, and it will be a wonderful showcase for the venue and to put EIRIAS on the map as a location for major events.”
Head coach Danny Wilson is delighted with the interest in North Wales around this first home match: “The boys are really excited about playing our first game at EIRIAS and hopefully we can make it a venue where teams fear coming to. There’s a proud history up here the fact all our home games are being staged here is an important signpost for the future of the game in North Wales.”
Those travelling to the game are advised to arrive early if without a ticket and leave time for parking. Car parking will be at a premium with Ysgol Bryn Elian utilised as a park and walk car park and the Bay View Shopping Centre hosting a park and ride car park. A minibus will also be collecting supporters from Colwyn Bay train station and returning them after the game free of charge.
Wales v Scotland 10/02/12 KO 19.35
Wales v Italy 09/03/12 KO 19.10
Wales v France 16/03/12 KO 19.35
For further information please call Eirias Leisure Centre directly on 01492 577900. Tickets have been selling fast and only a limited number remain and are available from the centre or can be purchased from Venue Cymru on 01492 872000
