DONCASTER EUROPEAN DAY AT THE KEEPMOAT STADIUM : Fri Apr 17, 2009 4:06 pm
Doncaster Rugby League Club is to hold a special European Day to celebrate Toulouse Olympique’s first ever visit to Doncaster on Sunday 26 April.
France based Toulouse Olympique XIII are new to the British Rugby League scene this season and the Dons have organised this event to commemorate their first league game at the Keepmoat Stadium which has a 2:00pm kick off.
The club’s inaugural European Day event commences at 1:00pm and has been kindly sponsored by local businesses Campanile Hotel and Restaurant and Piper’s Car Sales.
There’s plenty going on in and around the stadium including live European bands and musicians, Irish dancing, food tasting sessions by Campanile (French), Polska Kuchnia (Polish), Frankie and Benny’s (Italian) and Food Aware will be providing healthy food samples. Other attractions are costume displays, community stalls and junior rugby league teams Rossington Sharks and Moorends-Thorne Marauders will be providing the half time entertainment.
It’s fair to say that Toulouse have had a tough baptism into the Co-operative Championship but Gilles Dumas’ side registered their first win on Easter Monday with an impressive 60-22 victory away at Batley Bulldogs.
Toulouse boast a good crop of young French talent and also have some very good Australian players in their ranks. All the ingredients are there for a titanic European battle and Tony Miller’s side will be looking to continue their recent good run of form and pick up a much needed win on home soil.
Dave Marshall, chief executive of the Dons, said: “On behalf of the club I would like to thank the event sponsors Campanile Hotel and Restaurant and Piper’s Car Sales and everyone else who is involved on the day.
“Backroom staff at the club have worked tirelessly to make this event happen and we wanted to make Toulouse’s first visit to the town a memorable one.
“English rugby league is rapidly expanding away from the traditional ‘M62 corridor’ with the likes of Harlequins, Catalans Dragons and Celtic Crusaders battling it out in the Super League.
“The game has seen a massive increase in numbers at the turnstiles over the last few years and it’s vital we attract new fans to continue this momentum.
“We’re no different at Doncaster and we’re hoping to see a few new faces at the Keepmoat to come and support our first European Day.
“We’re also hoping for a large turnout from the Doncaster community and can guarantee everyone will have a fantastic family day out with the Dons.”
Tickets are on sale now and prices are as follows: adult - £10 early bird/£12 match day; concession - £5 early bird/£6 match day; family ticket includes 2 adults & 2 U16's - £25. The Keepmoat Stadium ticket office number is 01302 762576.