Refund promise as Bears bring cricket back to Rugby

By Wednesday 11 February 2015 Updated: 12/02 09:30

Buy photos » Warwickshire County Cricket Club will return to Rugby in the summer.

FIRST-class cricket will return to Rugby during the school summer holidays - and this time ticket-holders will get their money back if the match is rained off.

Warwickshire County Cricket Club will play its Royal London One-Day Cup match against Sussex Sharks at Rugby School's The Close on Monday August 17.

The Bears were due to play Kent at the famous playing field last August but the match was called off due to rain, leaving those who bought tickets disgruntled that they could not claim a refund - although they were offered free attendance to a 2015 match as compensation.

In July 2013, over 3,000 flocked to The Close - the pitch where William Webb Ellis invented the game of rugby in 1823 - to watch Warwickshire lose a t20 match to Glamorgan by eight wickets.

Gareth Roberts’ Commercial Director at Edgbaston, said: “The annual match in Rugby is a great opportunity for the club to engage with our supporters in the wider county and we were very keen to return to such a fantastic venue.

“After enjoying a glorious, sunny day at our first match in 2013, it was incredibly disappointing for all that the rain prevented any play last year.

“With the 2014 day in mind, we have now introduced a full refund policy for this 2015 fixture, in order to give piece of mind to supporters.”

Richard Poole, Commercial Manager of Rugby School, said: "With England hosting the Rugby World Cup and Rugby School laying claim to being the birthplace of the global game, 2015 promises to be a very special year.

"It will be enhanced by the visit of Warwickshire CCC, cementing what promises to be a regular fixture for both club and the school for the foreseeable future."

Visit www.edgbaston.com for information on how to get tickets, which go on sale in March.