We can confirm that the European Rugby Challenge Cup quarter-final against Stade Francais will be played at Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on Sunday 2nd April, 5.45pm KO.
The news follows the announcement today that Swansea City’s Premiership fixture against Middlesbrough has been switched to the Sunday for television coverage, which means that the Liberty Stadium is not available to us on that day.
Full ticketing details for the new venue will be confirmed tomorrow (Wednesday). Ospreys Rugby will contact any supporters who have already purchased tickets or hospitality in advance of this news within the next 72 hours advising them of a number of options that are available to them. Premier Club members will also be contacted directly.
Andrew Millward, Managing Director, said:
“It’s extremely unfortunate that what should have been a flagship occasion for Ospreys Rugby, our first ever European knockout tie at the Liberty Stadium, has to be moved to an alternative venue.
“Due to the television agreement in place, EPCR had no option but to confirm scheduling for the quarter-finals in advance of us being able to confirm the Liberty Stadium as the venue.
“The Stadium Management Company, and the football club, had agreed to waive the 72-hour rule, allowing us to host the tie on either the Thursday or Friday night but the lack of flexibility due to the TV scheduling agreement means that the fixture has to be played as scheduled on the Sunday evening, and we have no option but to seek an alternative venue.
“We are extremely grateful to our colleagues at the Welsh Rugby Union for stepping in and enabling us to play this key game at the Principality Stadium. With five weeks to go until the fixture, it’s important everybody pulls together to play their part for the Ospreys and ensure that the occasion is a success, on and off the field.
“Full details will follow shortly, including ticketing details and prices, but it’s important to stress that this is a huge game for the team. It’s the first European quarter-final that we have been involved in for seven years, and we need the support of not only the loyal Ospreys hardcore, but the wider rugby public to get behind Welsh rugby in European battle.”
WRU Group Chief Executive Martyn Phillips is pleased to support the Ospreys and is looking forward to the feast of rugby ahead.
“We’re all in this together” he said.
“Ospreys’ European quarter-final match is an exciting occasion for the team and their rugby supporters and so it is important we show our support for regional rugby by hosting their match at Principality Stadium.
“Ospreys versus Stade Francais has the makings of yet another fantastic day out for supporters of all ages; just under two weeks before Ospreys return with all our regional teams for the much-anticipated Judgement Day V.
“These events showcase the great rugby talent we have here in Wales as well as the unrivalled flexibility of our national stadium and our commitment to working collaboratively with all our rugby regions for the good of the game.”
Full ticketing details will be confirmed on Wednesday. If you have already purchased your tickets or hospitality, or a Premier Club member, we will contact you directly over the next 72 hours to explain your options.