International action will return to the Liberty Stadium this summer when Russia face the Ospreys in a Rugby World Cup warm-up fixture.
Former Wales captain Kingsley Jones is now in charge of the Russian side who will take part in their first ever RWC this year, having been pooled with Australia, Ireland, Italy and USA.
Currently ranked 19th in the world, Russia will visit the Liberty Stadium on Sunday 21st August, two weeks before the start of the new Rabodirect Pro12 season.
The Russians will be the second national team to face the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium, following on from Australia, who were defeated on a historic evening on November 1st 2006, when tries from Barry Williams and Richard Mustoe along with 14 points from the boot of Shaun Connor helped the region to a 24-16 win against a Wallabies team that included the likes of George Smith, Adam Ashley-Cooper and David Lyons.
Chief Operations Officer, Andrew Hore, said that everybody at the Ospreys is looking forward to welcoming the Russians to the Liberty Stadium:
“Rugby is booming in Russia, it’s a real growth sport and they are quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with so it’s fantastic that we can welcome them to the Liberty Stadium. It’s a game that will be vitally important for both teams in terms of preparation for the following month, when we get our Pro12 campaign underway while they will be travelling to New Zealand to compete in their first ever Rugby World Cup.
“It promises to be a great occasion, and a real opportunity for supporters to enjoy a style of rugby, and a team, that while it may be unfamiliar to them, will provide a real test for us. No doubt Russia will make a big impression in New Zealand, and this game is a chance for our fans to see for themselves what they can do.
“As was the case five years ago when we defeated Australia, it is sure to be a special day in our short history and an afternoon to remember.”
Ticketing details for the game, which kicks off at 3.00pm, will be announced closer to matchday but it has been confirmed that the fixture will be covered by the 2011/12 season-ticket, which is currently on sale, with prices starting at just £165 for a Category C ticket, equivalent to under £10 a game, and with up to four kids going free with a paying adult. .