The Brewery Field, Bridgend will see the return of international rugby in February when it becomes the Six Nations home of Wales Women for 2010.
Wales Women are currently Triple Crown winners and will play all three of their home Six Nations fixtures at the ground – Scotland on Sunday February 14, France on Sunday 28 February and Italy on Sunday 21 March, all kick-offs at 2pm.
The Brewery Field hosted six Wales Women games between 1994 and 2002 and are pleased to welcome the side back to Bridgend. Bridgend RFC Chairman Derrick King said, “We are delighted to have them back. The Brewery Field was home to Wales Women for a number of years, we enjoyed good crowds and a good atmosphere so I’m sure the Bridgend rugby public will welcome them back with open arms.
“Non Evans played some of her first international games here and it’s great that we are welcoming back a successful side with the team having won the Triple Crown last year. We know it’s a big season for the girls with the World Cup at the end of it so we hope to be able to give them a good home base for their Six Nations games to get their year off to a good start.
“In conjunction with Bridgend Town Football club, we now own the lease of the Brewery Field once again , and our main priority over the last six months has been to regenerate the club and its facilities and try to make it a centre for the whole of the Bridgend community.
“We have modernised the changing facilities, the medical room, the reception rooms and I know the team will have the best possible environment for their Six Nations matches. With the work that has been done, I feel we now have some of the best club facilities in Wales outside of the Regional game.”
Wales Women head coach Jason Lewis added, “It’s excellent that we will be hosted by Bridgend RFC at the Brewery Field for our Six Nations games. Bridgend is a club with great history and profile and this news shows the increased importance the WRU places on showcasing Women’s rugby.
“Being from Bridgend myself, I know how much of a rugby town Bridgend is, and other international games have been very well supported here, hopefully the same will go for us.
“The Six Nations is an extremely important tournament for us, regardless of the World Cup at the end of the season. We won the Triple crown last year, so we are keen to build on the performances of the last few championships.
“It will be tough to play England away from home in our first game but we will look forward to our first home game against Scotland at Bridgend.”
It will be a case of the wheel turning full circle for Non Evans who won her first cap in an 11-6 victory over Scotland at the Brewery Field in 1996. Evans also won her 50th cap against Scotland, at the Arms Park in 2004 but is looking forward to a return to Bridgend.
“We always had a really good welcome at Bridgend, both by the club and all the supporters. I’m really looking forward to making it our home ground again this season.”
Wales Women Six Nations 2010 fixtures:
- Wales Women v Scotland Sunday 14 February 2pm
- Wales Women v France Sunday 28 February 2pm
- Wales Women v Italy Sunday 21 March 2pm
