Rugby Nova Scotia

RUSSIA VS CANADA TEST MATCH MOVED TO SWANGARD DUE TO FIELD CONDITIONS AT UBC

With damage to the pitch at UBC Thunderbird Stadium considered so extensive as to make the surface unplayable, Rugby Canada has moved the location of the Canada vs Russia international rugby match on November 28th, to Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, BC.

"It was the only thing to do," contends Rugby Canada CEO Graham Brown, after he and referee development director Dr. Trevor Arnold inspected the Thunderbird Stadium facility earlier this week. "There was no prospect of the field recovering in time due to the time of year and the wet conditions on the lower mainland."

The damage in question resulted from a series of games played over ten days ago as part of the Canadian Inter-University Sports national women's championships. Heavy rain coupled with multiple matches resulted in torn turf, mud - and sink holes.

While UBC worked diligently to repair the pitch it was clear there was not enough time for the key factor in rehabilitating a damaged ground, which is sunshine and new grass growth.

"We are putting on an international rugby match here, so there are standards that are strictly adhered to, both to ensure a good contest, but more importantly from a health and safety perspective for the players," said Brown."We appreciate all that UBC tried to do to make things right, but the one thing none of us had was the luxury of time."

Ticket prices remain the same, as does the kick-off time and date - November 28th - 3 PM.

Tickets already purchased for the UBC Thunderbird Stadium match will be honoured at Swangard Stadium, which last hosted a test rugby match in 2001 when England took on Canada.

"Swangard is a great facility and we are very thankful that stadium officials were able to help us out on such short notice," said Brown."The fact that no one has been on the pitch in well over a month means it will be a great surface to play on."

Swangard Stadium is located on the Skytrain line at Patterson station - and easily accessible from Highway 1, with plenty of parking nearby.

For full information on how to get to Swangard go to http://www.city.burnaby.bc.ca/cityhall/departments/departments_parks/rcrtn/prksrc_fclts/Outdoor/Swangard_Stadium/Getting_There.html

Canada vs Russia - November 28th - Vancouver, BC - Swangard Stadium

Buy tickets for the Canada vs Russia match at http://cardticketing.com/showtickets.aspx?mid=310

Adult (18 & Over): $20 ($35 at the gate)
Youth (Under 18): $10 ($25 at the gate)
Captain's Tent (Adult Only): $125 (no game day sales)
Captain's Tent includes food and beverage and are available in advance only.

BC vs Russia - Nov. 24th - Langford, BC

Tickets are still available for the British Columbia Bears vs Russia match November 24th - 7 PM kick-off - Bear Mountain Stadium - Langford, BC.
Visit http://cardticketing.com/showtickets.aspx?mid=309

Ticket Prices:
Adult (18 & Over): $15 ($20 at the gate)Youth
(Under 18): $5 ($10 at the gate)

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Doug Crosse - Communications Manager - Rugby Canada - 40 Vogell Road - Unit 26 - Richmond Hill, ON - L4B 3N6 - Mobile 905 717-0124 - Office 905 780-8998 x 231 - Community to country