Ospreys go green for Ty Hafan

The Magners League clash against the Scottish side has been designated as a Ty Hafan Benefit Match following a unique tie-up between the region and Ty Hafan, the family hospice for young lives, which it is anticipated could raise as much as £40,000 for the charity between now and the end of the season.

To mark the occasion, Shane Williams, James Hook and co. have agreed to ditch their traditional black and white socks for the game, in favour of what has been described as 'Ty Hafan green', to represent the charity's branding. With the game being broadcast right across Wales, it is hoped that the added flash of colour in the Ospreys strip will help to raise awareness of what is such a worthwhile cause.

The partnership was launched at the Hospice in Sully last month, when the whole Ospreys squad swooped in to visit patients and their families. According to Paul Thorburn, Ospreys Strategic Development Manager, the visit made such an impact on the players that it had led directly to the switch to green socks for the match. He said:

"The decision to switch to green socks for this match was one that was made by the players themselves following the recent visit to Ty Hafan to launch this worthy partnership. The whole squad spent time there and felt that they wanted to make a statement to show their support for the partnership as a group of players. They came up with the idea of switching to green socks as it is a colour which is heavily represented on Ty Hafan's branding.

"While those attending the match, and we hope that there will be a large crowd present for the game, will be well aware of the significance of the partnership with Ty Hafan, and the green socks, the hope is that by making such a simple gesture, the message which reach a much wider audience, helping to raise Ty Hafan's profile still further."

With this Sunday's fixture designated as a Ty Hafan Benefit Match, bosses at the region handing £2 from every full price adult ticket sold for the game (£1 per child/OAP ticket) via the Liberty Stadium Ticket Office to the charity. In addition, the Ospreys have presented Ty Hafan with a substantial allocation of tickets for the game, which are a mixture of all values including hospitality, allowing them to sell them and keep all revenues raised. A collection of valuable signed memorabilia has also been handed over by the squad, which will be used as auction and raffle prizes, boosting Ty Hafan's coffers even further.