Scarlets unveil new-look European shirt

The Scarlets have unveiled a new-look European shirt as their Heineken Cup campaign gets underway in just under two weeks’ time.

The Llanelli outfit have opted for white with a red trim, with the dragon remaining a stand-out feature on the jersey, which goes on sale today.

“As players we need the very latest clothing technology on the field to compete but equally important is pulling on a shirt that means something to us as Scarlets and that we’re proud to wear as a team," Wales and Scarlets centre Jon Davies said.

“We’re really pleased with the look, feel and design of this year’s kit – the new European kit has gone down really well with all the boys – it’s something new, exciting and distinctive for us and hopefully that’s going to reflect our approach to Europe this season.”

The Scarlets are hoping for a good turnout for their Heineken Cup opener with European champions Leinster later this month.

Mark Davies, Scarlets chief executive said: “We had more than 13,000 for our first Munster game in the Heineken Cup last season and we’d hope for the same on October 20.

“Europe captures the imagination of so many and our team at Parc y Scarlets are always inspired by the great loyalty, passion and pride our supporters have in our rugby team, our home at Parc y Scarlets and the club’s great traditions.

“We believe our new European shirt has personality, impact and stands out from the crowd, which is what we will hope to do as a team in the Heineken Cup.”

Head coach Simon Easterby said that Europe was the competition that lights the fire in coaches, players and Scarlets supporters alike. 

Easterby, who will be leading his first campaign in Europe in the hot seat, said: “It’s all about the competition created by pitting yourself against the top teams in Europe and there are some real challenges for us here but equally they are exciting events to be part of both home and away.

 

"It’s probably one of the toughest pools in the draw but it's great for us to have the European champions; they have set the standard for teams in Europe with the quality they have.

"We want to pit ourselves against the best and we certainly have that in our forthcoming Heineken Cup campaign.

"We've met Clermont in Europe in 2007/8 and last season played them in our pre-season fixtures; they have a great coaching set-up, they, like Leinster, are one of the power houses of Europe and have quality throughout and will be targeting Europe particularly after coming so close to taking their opportunity over Leinster in the semi-final this year.

“For an added bit of spice, there's our former Scarlet favourite Regan King to contend with at Clermont as well."

He added: "It's an exciting draw for our supporters. Home games will be crucial and the crowds we're now attracting at Parc y Scarlets will give us an edge hopefully. For us it will be repaying that loyalty by getting off to a good start on the field like we did last season in Europe.

“We had a great start last season and put ourselves in a strong position in another very tough group; narrowly losing out to Munster in rounds 3 and 4 cost us dear and we'll be very keen to put that right this time in Europe and really take those big opportunities."

2012/13 Heineken Cup dates

 

13/10/12 kick off 4.40pm – Clermont away; Stade Marcel Michelin

 

20/10/12 kick off 1.35pm – Leinster home

 

8/12/12 kick off 1.35pm – Exeter home

 

15/12 kick off 3.40pm – Exeter away

 

Round 5  11/12/13 January 2013 – Leinster away