Leicester Tigers have pulled off a major coup by securing world champions South Africa to celebrate the official opening of the new Caterpillar Stand at Welford Road.
The Guinness Premiership champions will host the Springboks on Friday, November 6, subject to RFU approval.
South Africa won the Rugby World Cup with a final win over defending champions England in 2007 and have just triumphed in this summer’s series against the British & Irish Lions tourists.
The squad, featuring superstar names John Smit, Victor Matfield and Bryan Habana begin the Tri-Nations this weekend against New Zealand.
The match at Welford Road will be the Springboks only game in England during their autumn tour before European Tests against France, Italy and Ireland.
Leicester Tigers chairman Peter Tom CBE said: “To bring the world champions to Welford Road is a real coup and a massive honour for the club. It says a lot for our standing in the world game and we are delighted that South Africa are able to fulfil this special occasion.
“We believe the full redevelopment of Welford Road will make it the biggest and best purpose-built club rugby stadium in Europe and, as shown by our season ticket and corporate hospitality sales for the new season, there is already a tremendous amount of interest in watching top-class fixtures here.
“We look forward to welcoming South Africa’s officials, management, players and supporters for another superb occasion at Welford Road.”
Andy Marinos, acting managing director of SA Rugby said: “The match will be an ideal preparation for three very tricky Test matches and give the Springboks the chance to have a taste of northern hemisphere conditions once again.
“It will also give us an opportunity to test out new combinations as we look towards the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
“Leicester are a powerhouse of European club rugby and can field a host of England and overseas internationals and we’ll have our work cut out against them – we couldn’t have asked for a more challenging warm-up for the Test matches.”
The new Caterpillar Stand represents phase one of the redevelopment of Welford Road and takes capacity up to 24,000 for the new season. Already more than half of the places in the 10,000-seater stand have been sold for the entire season, and 60 per cent of the stadium is sold out.
Commercial arrangements for the game including broadcast and sponsorship are being handled by leading independent sports marketing agency Essentially. Group chief executive Bart Campbell said: “South Africa were keen to have a tough build up to their autumn international schedule and Guinness Premiership champions Tigers will do just that. It promises to be a fantastic game and a fantastic occasion.”
The Guinness Premiership champions will host the Springboks on Friday, November 6, subject to RFU approval.
South Africa won the Rugby World Cup with a final win over defending champions England in 2007 and have just triumphed in this summer’s series against the British & Irish Lions tourists.
The squad, featuring superstar names John Smit, Victor Matfield and Bryan Habana begin the Tri-Nations this weekend against New Zealand.
The match at Welford Road will be the Springboks only game in England during their autumn tour before European Tests against France, Italy and Ireland.
Leicester Tigers chairman Peter Tom CBE said: “To bring the world champions to Welford Road is a real coup and a massive honour for the club. It says a lot for our standing in the world game and we are delighted that South Africa are able to fulfil this special occasion.
“We believe the full redevelopment of Welford Road will make it the biggest and best purpose-built club rugby stadium in Europe and, as shown by our season ticket and corporate hospitality sales for the new season, there is already a tremendous amount of interest in watching top-class fixtures here.
“We look forward to welcoming South Africa’s officials, management, players and supporters for another superb occasion at Welford Road.”
Andy Marinos, acting managing director of SA Rugby said: “The match will be an ideal preparation for three very tricky Test matches and give the Springboks the chance to have a taste of northern hemisphere conditions once again.
“It will also give us an opportunity to test out new combinations as we look towards the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
“Leicester are a powerhouse of European club rugby and can field a host of England and overseas internationals and we’ll have our work cut out against them – we couldn’t have asked for a more challenging warm-up for the Test matches.”
The new Caterpillar Stand represents phase one of the redevelopment of Welford Road and takes capacity up to 24,000 for the new season. Already more than half of the places in the 10,000-seater stand have been sold for the entire season, and 60 per cent of the stadium is sold out.
Commercial arrangements for the game including broadcast and sponsorship are being handled by leading independent sports marketing agency Essentially. Group chief executive Bart Campbell said: “South Africa were keen to have a tough build up to their autumn international schedule and Guinness Premiership champions Tigers will do just that. It promises to be a fantastic game and a fantastic occasion.”
Tickets for the match against South Africa will be available soon. Tigers season ticket holders will be given priority in bookings and will be offered special prices. Ticket details will be announced soon via the club website but, with Leicester only an hour away from London, Tigers are expecting considerable support for the world champions from the South African community.
