The mighty Barbarians will launch the summer spectacular on June 4 with a match against Wales to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the WRU.
The colossal game will commemorate the launch of the WRU at that famous meeting in Neath’s Castle Hotel and the first international against England on February 19 in 1881 at Richardson’s Field, Blackheath.
Then in August the WRU has secured the first ever double header against England with an international at Twickenham followed by a return encounter at the Millennium Stadium.
Last to arrive in Cardiff will be Argentina when fans will get the chance to see the team which finished third in the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France.
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| The complete summer 2011 line-up is: | Â | Â | Â |
| Wales vs Barbarians | Jun-04 | Millennium Stadium | |
| England v Wales | Aug-06 | Twickenham | |
| Wales v England | Aug-13 | Millennium Stadium | |
| Wales v Argentina | Aug-20 | Millennium Stadium | |
All the Test matches will have the added attraction of being head coach Warren Gatland’s final opportunity to decide on his Rugby World Cup squad before announcing the names by August 22.
In the family friendly strategy ticket prices for all the Millennium Stadium matches will start from £15 for under 18s.
The WRU is expanding that clear focus on families with special two adult and two U18 packages at just £70 for Argentina, £100 for The Barbarians and £110 for England.
It is a move aimed at giving the Wales team huge support and a roaring send-off for their departure at the end of August 2011 for New Zealand to compete in the Rugby World Cup.
In yet another spectacular for the fans the Wales squad will hold another open training session at the Millennium Stadium before the RBS 6 Nations in 2011 at which entry for all will be FREE.
Exact details of when the session is to take place will be announced when the national squad draws up its training plans in the build up to the tournament.
The summer 2011 fixtures have been negotiated with the full approval of Wales head coach Warren Gatland who wants his squad to be tested to the full before departing for the southern hemisphere for the World Cup.
WRU Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, said: “The ticket prices for these games are some of the most attractive available in world rugby at the moment.
“We are all aware how difficult the economic climate has proved for supporters and we have designed our pricing structure to ensure all true Welsh rugby supporters have a chance of being there.
“The prices on offer will mean that groups of friends and families can have the confidence to plan their rugby visits to the Stadium well in advance.
“The games we have in place against the Barbarians, England and Argentina will bring some of the world’s best players to Wales so this is an exciting opportunity for supporters.
“We all know how the tension builds for matches in Rugby World Cup year so these will all be great occasions played out in the fantastic atmosphere generated in one of the world’s best rugby stadiums.
“The Barbarians game also has the added dynamic of being arranged to commemorate 130 years of the Welsh Rugby Union so it is sure to be a massive celebration of our national sport.
“Welsh rugby has been at the core of our sporting culture for those 130 years and it is right and proper that we celebrate that status in style.
“We think long and hard about our pricing structure because it is vital we earn the proper levels of revenue from international rugby to fund the wider game throughout Wales.
“It is a fine balance to achieve but we are confident within our financial modules for these games that we will be able to weather the current economic climate.
“We receive funding support from our broadcasters and our sponsorship and commercial partners which are secured through long term contracts,
“We balance the need for that income and the money from ticket sales against the need to ensure that as many fans as possible get the opportunity to see the matches live at the Millennium Stadium.
“Anyone who has watched a match at the Stadium will know the atmosphere is unique and it is important for young Welsh rugby fans to experience that and develop their love of our great game.
“The Wales team also recognises the huge advantage they get when a big Welsh crowd supports them at the Stadium so we are announcing these deals now for people to make their plans early.
“We know how difficult it will be for many people to make it to New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup so we want them to watch Warren Gatland’s squad in action at home before they set off for the campaign.”
Warren Gatland added: “I am delighted at the schedule of warm up fixtures we will be playing in June and August next year.
“We will have a prolonged camp for the squad to prepare and it is important for us to measure our progress against some top class opposition. The Welsh support is very important to us as a squad and I am extremely pleased the WRU has devised this excellent ticket policy to encourage as many fans as possible to watch the games.
“It is going to be an exciting and challenging campaign in New Zealand and these games will give the boys the sort of send off they need before taking their hopes and aspirations into the Rugby World Cup arena.
“The Millennium Stadium is a fantastic venue and games against the Barbarians, England and Argentina will give us the best possible chance to fine tune our rugby.”
Barbarians match organiser, Mike Burton, said: “I am delighted that we are able to bring the Baa Baas back to Wales.
“It is especially pleasing that we will be playing at the iconic Millennium Stadium which means so much to followers of rugby around the world.
“Some of the greatest players in the game have worn the Barbarian jersey and we will be ensuring the team that takes the field against Wales is one of a fitting stature. It is a mouth-watering prospect and I am certain the supporters will get to see some exhilarating rugby on the day.”
MILLENNIUM STADIUM TICKET INFORMATION
Wales v Barbarians £15(U18); £30, £40. £100 (family package)
Wales v England £15(U18); £30, £40, £50 £110 (family package)
Wales v Argentina £15(U18); £20, £30 £70 (family package)
Under 18s will be able to buy single tickets for a special Youth Enclosure area.
The group packages of two adults and two children will secure seats in a special Family Enclosure area of the Millennium Stadium.
Tickets will be available through the member clubs of the Welsh Rugby Union so the first opportunity to secure seats for the games will go to those involved in Welsh rugby.
Members of the public can also pre-register their interest for tickets for the summer internationals on a waiting list from today by going online at www.wru.co.uk/2011fixtures
