Castell Howell Foods, who already have a link with Mike Ruddock’s senior Welsh squad and supply produce to the Millennium Stadium, have become the new shirt sponsors for the U21, while financial wizards PKF Accountants and Business Advisors have become sponsors of the three internationals to be played at Rodney Parade.
And all this comes on top of the news that all five of the Welsh matches in the U21 championship will be screened live on television – the opener against England U21 at Worcester on Friday 3 February on Sky Sports and the remainder on BBC Wales.
“Welsh rugby has enjoyed tremendous success at international level recently and we are delighted to be able to show our support to the Wales U21 during their all important Six Nations campaign,” said Tim Smith, partner in charge of PKF’s Cardiff office.
“We have strong sporting ties at PKF as we advise a number of high-profile sports clubs and we are avid rugby fans. So we are thoroughly looking forward to the matches at Rodney Parade and wish Tom Smith and his side the very best of luck.”
Neath back row man Tom Smith, one of a number of survivors from last season’s winning title winning squad, has been given the honour of leading Wales into the defence of their crown at Worcester next week.
Three of the back division featured in the Grand Slam game against Ireland last season, while Smith is one of four forwards who also figured in that defining game. And with a number of the players having had regular game time in the Celtic League and Heineken Cup this season, coach Davey and his management team have a good squad to deal with.
“The sponsorships are great news for all the players at this level and will really give them a boost before they go into their campaign,” said Davey. “It’s great to have support at this age group and the fact we will have a strong home base at Rodney Parade for our games against Scotland, Italy and France will be a significant factor.
“Winning a third Grand Slam last season was a great achievement, although we all realise that development and performance come ahead of mere victories at this level. Perhaps even more important to us last season was the number of former players who helped Mike Ruddock’s Welsh side win the first Grand Slam for 27 years and then go on to beat Australia.
“We have prepared well for the 2006 campaign and we have some very talented youngsters in our squad. The key thing now is to blend them together and get them to produce their very best.”
WALES U21 SIX NATIONS FIXTURES
03 Feb – ENGLAND v WALES (Worcester, 8.00pm – Sky TV)
09 Feb – WALES v SCOTLAND (Rodney Parade, 7.10pm – BBC2W)
24 Feb – IRELAND v WALES (Athlone, 7.10pm – BBC2W)
10 Mar – WALES v ITALY (Rodney Parade, 7.10pm – BBC2W)
17 Mar – WALES v FRANCE (Rodney Parade, 7.10pm – BBC2W)
Wales U21 Six Nations Season Tickets Prices
Hazell Stand – Adults £27 – OAP, Students & Under 16s £16
Hazell and Argus Terraces – Adults £22 – OAP, Students & Under 16s £13
Family Stand – Adults £22 – OAP & Students £13 Under 16s £3
Single match tickets are also available from the Rodney Parade Ticket Office now at the following prices:
Hazell Stand – Adults £12 – OAP, Students & Under 16s £7
Hazell and Argus Terraces – Adults £10 – OAP, Students & Under 16s £6
Family Stand – Adults £10 – OAP & Students £6 Under 16s £1
Newport and Newport Gwent Dragons season ticket holders will receive a £2 advance booking discount on these prices, with their seats being held until close of business 20 January. After this date they will be released for general sale.
To book call the Ticket Hotline on 01633 674 990 or log onto www.newportgwentdragons.com. People wishing to claim their Newport or NGD season ticket discount or who want to take up the Under 21s Season Ticket option should contact the ticket office direct on the above number.
