There will be no let-up for Super Rugby’s newest team, as the Rebels confirmed the details of their off-season European tour in August.
The Rebels – who finished last in their debut season in Super Rugby – will play three matches in a week-long tour of England and Ireland that will kick-start the club’s preparations for the 2012 Super Rugby season.
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The first clash is on Friday August 12, against English Premiership giants Bath.
One of the oldest and most successful sides in the world, Bath are one of the dominant forces of English and European rugby. The match will take place at Bath’s historic Recreation Ground, one of the game’s most picturesque and iconic venues. Earlier this year, Bath finished fifth in the English Premiership, agonisingly short of a place in the finals.
The second fixture is against Worcester Warriors on Monday August 15.
Worcester are one of the European game’s up-and-coming powerhouses and regained promotion to the English Premiership earlier this year, losing just one game en route to the RFU Championship title. The Warriors play at the bespoke Sixways Stadium, giving the Rebels squad the experience of a typically English arena.
The final game of the tour is against Irish giants Leinster, on Friday August 19.
The Dublin-based side are the reigning champions of the game in Europe, after taking out the Heineken Cup in extraordinary circumstances in May.
Runners-up in this year’s Celtic League, the Leinster side is packed full of Irish and international stars. Leinster will host the Rebels at their old home of Donnybrook Stadium.
The domestic European competitions kick-off on the first weekend of September, so the Rebels will be providing the final tune-ups for the three sides they will be taking on.
For the Rebels, the clashes represent the start of their preparations for the 2012 Super Rugby season and a further opportunity to grow the already strong bonds amongst the group.
Rebels Chief Operating Officer, Steve Boland, was delighted with the announcement of the tour.
“It’s a very long off-season for us so the tour comes at a great time for us to be able to develop our combinations, bring some of the younger players on and ensure our preparations for 2012 are on the right track,” he said.
“It’s a great privilege for the Rebels to have the opportunity to compete against three such historic clubs. These chances don’t come around all the time, especially to test ourselves against a side like Leinster, the champions of Europe. We’re all looking forward to the challenge and I’m sure we will take a lot out of the tour.”
Rebels’ tour schedule:
Friday, August 12: v Bath, 19.30 (18.30 GMT)
Monday, August 15: v Worcester, 19.45 (18.45 GMT)\
Friday, August 19: v Leinster, 19.00 (18.00 GMT)