A dozen internationals will return to the Ospreys this week and must refocus on the knockout battles in the Heineken Cup and the EDF Energy tournament. Bosses at the region are calling it their 'biggest month yet'.
Sean Holley's men face three back-to-back fixtures that will shape the final weeks of the season, with an EDF Energy Cup Semi-Final clash against Gloucester at Coventry's Ricoh Arena (Saturday March 28th) and a second successive Heineken Cup Quarter-final, this time away to Munster on Sunday April 12th, sandwiching a crucial Magners League fixture in Ulster.
According to Managing Director Mike Cuddy, it's an exciting time for everybody at the Ospreys. He said:
"There's no doubt that it's going to be a challenging few weeks for everybody involved with the Ospreys but this is where we want to be, competing on all fronts with just a few months left in the season. The next month is quite possibly the biggest month yet for us, with massive knockout games in two cup competitions, and we mustn't forget that we are still in contention in the League.
"We've got our third successive EDF Energy Cup Semi-Final …followed up with a trip to Ulster which will be a 'must-win' if we are to maintain our challenge for our third ever Celtic League title, and then, a week later we face a massive challenge in having to go to Munster in search of a win that will see us through to the last four of the Heineken Cup for the first time ever. It's an exciting time, and one that we're all looking forward to."
The Ospreys expect to be backed by substantial travelling support with more than 3,500 "Ospreylians" set to spend the Easter weekend in the emerald isle for the eagerly awaited Munster clash and a first visit to the new look Thomond Park stadium. According to Cuddy, the support of the travelling fans could prove crucial.
"It's fantastic that there will be a large contingent of Ospreys at both matches, as is always the case. Our supporters have been incredible on their travels over the last year or so, making the most of long trips to France and Italy, as well as really making their presence felt at Twickenham last season and at Leicester earlier this season. Given the current economic conditions it's even more impressive, and their commitment certainly doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated by the players and the coaches.
