Ospreys to Play Pre-Season Friendly on Mars

In a bold move to promote Magners League rugby to a wider audience, the Ospreys' management today confirmed that their August 2011 pre-season fixture (opponents TBC) will be played on the Chryse Planitia, Mars.

President Azaxyr Cavor, of the red planet's embryonic Barsoom Rugby Federation, announced at a joint media conference on Moonbase 4;

"For many years, the people of Mars have regarded the Magners League with envious eyes. When I first proposed the construction of the Chryse Stadium, many told me, 'Even if you build it, the chances of them coming are a million-to-one!'

Today, my colleagues and I stand vindicated, as Mars welcomes First Class rugby football in what we all hope will be the first of many interplanetary sporting exchanges."

Asked why the Ospreys had chosen Mars rather than the Liberty Stadium or - as a possible compromise - the Moon, Ospreys head coach Scott Johnson replied "We considered it - but there's just no atmosphere there." At time of writing it was unclear which venue Johnson was referring to.

Members of the Martian public attending the event seemed broadly enthusiastic. "Rugby seems a natural extension of traditional Martian values" said onlooker Mr. V. M. Smith.

"Also, we like those stands you use for the cameras. Three legs - very good!"

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(Disclaimer: This article aspires to be a satirical response to this one in the Daily Telegraph. Scientists regard the existence of rugby pitches on Mars to be highly unlikely. 'Smith' is not a real name.)