OSPREYS WILL PLAY their European Challenge Cup quarter-final against Stade Francais at the Principality Stadium because of a fixture clash with Swansea City.
The Premier League club’s home game against Middlesbrough at the Liberty Stadium has been moved to Sunday 2 April for television coverage, meaning Ospreys have had to switch their knockout round tie to Cardiff.
Tournament organisers had originally set the last eight clash for a 5.45pm kick-off on Sunday 2 April but under the terms of the stadium share, football is given priority when it comes to fixture scheduling.
The Cardiff City Stadium and Parc y Scarlets were reportedly other venue options for Ospreys, who have expressed their frustration at the situation.
“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,” Andrew Millward, Ospreys Managing Director, said.
“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.
“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.”
The game will be shown live on BT Sport.
Subscribe to The42 Rugby Show podcast here:
