Wales captain Matthew Rees visited his local Tesco store this week to launch an initiative which will see fans able to buy rugby tickets – to see Wales face England and Argentina at the Millennium Stadium – at their local customer service desks from tomorrow (Monday 4 July).
The Wales and British Lions hooker took time out before leaving for the national squad training camp in Poland to deliver the first batch of tickets to Tesco’s Talbot Green store, a short distance from training headquarters at the WRU National Centre of Excellence, the Vale Resort, Hensol, and his home in Tonyrefail.
Fans will be able to purchase tickets to the Rugby World Cup warm-up internationals against England on Saturday 13 August and Argentina on Saturday 20 August (both 2.30pm) at the customer service desk in larger Tesco stores throughout South Wales*.
Tickets will be available without booking fees or credit card charges and the WRU has also extended its ‘buy one get one free’ offer for tickets to the Argentina match to include any purchased at the major supermarket chain.
Rees is thrilled to support the initiative which has proved popular with Welsh rugby supporters since it was first launched in 2003, when tickets for Wales’ games against England and Scotland where made available in this way ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Australia.
“This is a fantastic initiative for Welsh fans and I’m delighted to have been invited to visit my local store to promote the sale of tickets to see Wales face England and Argentina at Tesco stores in Wales,” he said.
“Like my own family I’m sure the majority of Welsh fans visit their local supermarkets at least once a week, and now they can pick up tickets to support the squad ahead of the Rugby World Cup whilst doing their weekly shop.
“We would like two full houses at the Millennium Stadium in August before we head off to New Zealand, it will be the memory of the atmosphere at those two games in Cardiff which will be ringing in our ears when we get to the World Cup.
“I can’t stress enough the importance of the feeling that the whole nation is behind you in these big games. The RWC is going to be an amazing experience but we will be a long way from home and, particularly for the youngsters in the squad, it will make such a difference to be reminded that the whole of Wales is behind us.
“The excitement is really starting to build for the 2011 tournament in New Zealandso I hope fans come out in their droves and get their tickets in Tesco this summer and play a significant part of our World Cup preparations at the Millennium Stadium.
“The support for Wales at the Millennium Stadium is like no other rugby venue I’ve experienced and I know that the squad will be hoping for the biggest and best send-off before we head to New Zealand.”
A spokesperson from Tesco commented: “We have thousands and thousands of shoppers visiting our stores in South Wales every week, many of whom will be rugby fans.
“This initiative will not only provide our customers with greater access to Rugby Cup warm-up games, it also offers them the convenience of getting their weekly shop and tickets all under one roof. A great time-saver for busy people!”
Fans can also purchase their tickets for the Millennium Stadium clashes offer online at www.wru.co.uk/tickets or by calling the ticket hotlines 08442 777 888 or 02920 230130.
List of Tesco stores participating in the WRU ticket promotion:
Tesco Extra Stores
Bridgend Extra, Cardiff Excelsior, Cardiff Pengam, Carmarthen, Culverhouse Cross, Haverfordwest, Llanelli, Merthyr Tydfil, Newport, Risca, Swansea Cadle, Swansea Llansamlet, Talbot Green,
Tesco Superstores
Aberdare, Ammanford, Barry, Bridgend Brewery Lane, Caerphilly, Cardigan, Chepstow, Ebbw Vale, Neath Abbey, Pembroke Dock, Penarth, Pontypool, Pontypridd, Port Talbot, St Mellons, Swansea Marina, Ystrad Mynach
