UCLan to sponsor Hoppers game for future stars of elite rugby

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is the official sponsor of an elite rugby match hosted by Preston Grasshoppers RFC as the national under 18s teams of England and Scotland scrum down at Lightfoot Lane on March 12.

Lecturer and Chair of UCLan Sport, David Grecic said: “We are delighted to sponsor this prestigious Junior Six Nations game at Preston Grasshoppers and see more international sporting events come to Preston.

“UCLan is a civic institution and we welcome opportunities to work with local partners on fantastic community events to support the development of the city and promote sport and physical activity to all.”

It won’t be the first time the club has played host to a junior international fixture. In April 1997, a number of England legends graced the turf at Hoppers.

Among the superstars that turned out that day were Jonny Wilkinson, Mike Tindall, Andrew Sheridan and Steve Borthwick who is currently the forwards coach in Eddie Jones’ England coaching team.    

The game will also be played on the new RFU Rugby 365 floodlit artificial grass pitch which was officially launched by England Head Coach Eddie Jones earlier this year.

The new pitch was funded by the Rugby Football Union, (RFU) as part of a £50 million national initiative.

Steve Grainger, RFU Rugby Development Director, said “It’s great to see the artificial grass pitch being utilised for an international fixture. This really shows the standard of the facilities available here in Preston. We hope the community will come out and support England U18 next week and feel inspired to try out the new AGP for themselves over the coming months.”

Match entry is pay on the gate £8 adults, £4 concessions (including students) and free for under 16s. Kick-off is at 2.00pm.

For further information about Preston Grasshoppers RFC, please visit: http://www.pgrfc.co.uk/