Tuesday 14 February 2012

Momentous rugby league clash set for Gnoll

THE Gnoll in Neath is to host the first-ever South Wales Varsity rugby league match between UWIC and Swansea University on March 18.

The clash will kick-off at 3.15pm following the conclusion of the Championship 1 encounter between South Wales Scorpions and Workington Town (1pm).

Not only is it the first game of its kind to be played in Wales, it’s also the first time UWIC, also known as Cardiff Metropolitan University, has been involved in any varsity match.

A day of events is being planned and it’s hoped that students from both universities will descend on The Gnoll to cheer on the Scorpions before their respective teams.

In addition to the two matches, there will be a sprint challenge between the two universities with the final, and a goal-kicking contest, taking place at half-time during the Scorpions’ game.

Dancers and bands from both universities are also being planned as entertainment during the Varsity clash.

“We are delighted to be hosting the first ever South Wales Rugby League Varsity Challenge Match,” said Scorpions coach Dave Clark.

“It’s wonderful that such a long tradition of rivalry between the two cities can now be extended to student rugby league and hopefully we can pack The Gnoll for both games.

“We’re playing against Workington early to give them more travel time to return to Cumbria, so this creates a nice gap for the Varsity game to be played.

“I’m pleased we’re calling it the South Wales Varsity game as we know that universities in North Wales also play rugby league and perhaps this will pave the way for a similar game to be held in the North.”

Paul Horrocks, club president of the UWIC side, added: “UWIC are extremely pleased to be announcing this game alongside Swansea University and the South Wales Scorpions.

“It is a first for rugby league in Wales and a first for UWIC in any sport.

“Both universities have worked particularly hard in the previous few years to build respectable and competitive teams.

“This will be a great occasion to show off all that hard work and hopefully provide a wonderful experience for everyone involved. It has the potential to be another step in the right direction for rugby league and the student game in Wales.”

That view was echoed by Swansea club president Deri Galvin. “Students at Swansea are eagerly awaiting the inaugural South Wales Rugby League Varsity Match,” he said.

“The match caters for the growing interest in rugby league in Swansea and will no doubt be an exciting spectacle in a fantastic environment.

“Whilst we are working hard to push aside the title of underdogs, we can rest safe in the knowledge that we will at least be the best looking team on the day.”

Advance tickets for students for the whole day cost £5 and can be bought online at www.scorpionsrl.com, in person from the respective universities or from any of the UWIC or Swansea players.

Alternatively, visit the UWIC Student Union office in Cyncoed or the Athletic Union office at Fulton House, Swansea University, for contact details.

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