Swansea University's student Rugby team was treated to a special training session this week ahead of their 2008 Varsity clash, thanks to event sponsors npower renewables.
Main sponsors of the 2008 Welsh Varsity Challenge Rugby Match, npower renewables enlisted the Ospreys to help the Swansea University side prepare for the match against Cardiff University, which takes place at Cardiff Arms Park on April 23.
Straight off the back of their success in the final of the EDF cup, Ospreys players including Ian Gough, Adam Jones, and Jonathan Thomas travelled to the University training ground to join Swansea in their preparations for the biggest game of the year in the university calendar.
Natasha Bacon, Renewables Developer at npower renewables said: "We're really excited to be able to continue our support of grassroots rugby through our sponsorship of the 2008 Welsh Varsity.
"Our sponsorship of the Ospreys has allowed us to give Swansea University players the unique opportunity of getting some extra help and advice ahead of next week's game. We hope the extra coaching they have received will be beneficial when the two sides meet in what we're sure will be a dynamic battle of power and skill."
Steve Chappell, Swansea University RFC pack leader said: "Having the chance to train with Ian, Adam, and Jonathan from the Ospreys was fantastic. They were able to pass on some great tips based on their experience of playing in big games, and we look forward to putting them into practise when we face Cardiff next week."
Ospreys and Wales prop Adam Jones added: "It's great to be able to help out in this way. The Varsity match is the highlight of Swansea University's season so it's an honour to be asked to help out. Hopefully, some of the knowledge we've been able to pass will make the difference when they play next week. Everyone in the Ospreys camp will be keeping our fingers crossed that they will be able to follow in our footsteps and become the second team rugby team this month to bring silverware back to Ospreylia."
Contacts:
- npower renewables - Kim Daye
PR Officer Wales - Tel: 07825 60 80 97
- Ospreys - Peter Owen
Tel: 01792 460200
- Swansea University - Bethan Evans
PR Officer - Tel: 01792 295050
Editors notes:
- npower renewables is the longest serving renewable energy developer and operator in Wales, having generated clean, green energy through its schemes for over 100 years. The company has offices across Wales, at Baglan Energy Park, Dolgarrog and Llanidloes, from which our staff have helped develop and operate 7 onshore wind farms, 7 hydroelectric power schemes and the UK's first major offshore wind farm North Hoyle. It also has a wide portfolio of renewable energy projects across England and Scotland.
The company developed and operates the UK's first major offshore wind farm at North Hoyle, North Wales, which generates enough clean, green electricity to meet the needs of approximately 40,000 homes. This prevents the release of about 160,000 tonnes of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) every year.
Construction of our second offshore wind farm has just begun at Rhyl Flats, just off the North Wales coast. Once operational, the wind farm will produce enough electricity to meet the average annual needs of around 61,000 homes, preventing the release of some 250,000 tonnes of CO2 every year.
- Swansea University RFC will take on rivals Cardiff at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, April 23, at the Cardiff Arms Park. The annual student event raises funds for the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust and last year the Universities raised £7,000 through a combination of ticket sales and individual contributions. All proceeds go towards providing support to severely injured rugby players and their families living in Wales.
The Welsh Varsity Challenge Rugby Match is the culmination of a day of sports matches, where Swansea and Cardiff Universities compete in more than 20 different sports in Swansea and Cardiff. The Rugby Match has grown to be the second largest of the British Varsity Games, behind Cambridge vs Oxford, and the match regularly attracts a 5,000-strong crowd of supporters.
Swansea will be looking to keep a firm hold on the Victory Cup this year, after triumphing last year with an impressive score of 0-18.
- Swansea University is a world-class, research-led university situated in stunning parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower peninsula, the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Founded in 1920, the University now offers around 500 undergraduate courses and 100 postgraduate courses to more than 12,000 students.
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