Welsh region announce 'ground-breaking' home game to be played in London

The Ospreys have confirmed they will be facing South African outfit the Sharks at the Twickenham Stoop in London this November.

It will be the first time a Welsh side have decided to play a home United Rugby Championship fixture outside of Wales with the match kicking off at 7.35pm on Friday November 3rd. The Ospreys will hope to tap into London's South African community to fill the ground while they have also confirmed their season ticket holders will get 50% off seats for this fixture.

“We're absolutely thrilled that Ospreys can host a showcase game in London, providing a unique spectacle for our fans and newcomers alike," said commercial director Anthony Cole-Johnson.

“For us, this is not just a fixture; it is an opportunity to provide a fresh experience and engage with Ospreys exiles and the wider rugby fanbase in and around London."

He says it has been great "to put together this ground-breaking game to grow the interest around Ospreys and the league.

“London, a city with a rich sporting heritage, has always been a popular destination for fans from across the globe. As one of the world's leading rugby hubs, the city is no stranger to hosting showcase events.”

The Ospreys have three fixtures which have to be moved from the Swansea.com Stadium due to the dates clashing with Swansea City, who have primacy of tenure. Their home games against the Lions on March 30th and their big Welsh derby against Cardiff on New Years Day also clash with Swansea City, with St Helens a potential venue for at least one of those fixtures.

“We believe that rugby should embrace new ideas and innovative events and we’re very happy to support Ospreys and Sharks in bringing the BKT United Rugby Championship to one of the world’s biggest cities where sport has such an iconic history," said URC CEO Martin Anayi.

“In addition to those who travel from Wales, we are fully aware of the large URC fanbases in London that encompass all of our territories and we hope that the interest from Welsh and South African supporters in London can make this a really special event.”