The third instalment of the regional showpiece has smashed the previous attendance record, with over 37,500 fans set to lift the Millennium Stadium roof. East take on West on Saturday April 25, with Priestland’s Scarlets set for a showdown against the in-form Newport Gwent Dragons. And the Wales playmaker reckons the day of Guinness PRO12 action will keep growing and growing.
He said: “I think it’s a fantastic occasion; I played last year, having missed out on the first year through injury, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Hopefully people will come and watch both games and make a real day of it.
“I personally think it has the potential to be a real special event like the club games they have at Twickenham – it would be ideal for Welsh rugby if they get to that stage.”
Scarlets must beat their East Wales rivals to keep the pace in the race for a European Rugby Champions Cup spot. They occupy seventh spot, level on 44 points with Connacht Rugby, who sit in the final qualification place. And Priestland is targeting a perfect farewell as he prepares to join Bath Rugby next season.
He went on to say: “Dragons are an improving team. It’s a challenge we’re looking forward to. We made hard work of it [the victory over Zebre] ourselves but it was a relief to get that first away win. It would be nice to sign off with three wins now at the end.
“It’s strange to be leaving, but part of life. I have been at the Scarlets all my professional career. I have loved my time there and made some great friends. We have had some good wins, some good times and bad times.”
