SCARLETS ENJOY HEALTHY MILK DRINKS ON FUW’S EISTEDDFOD STAND

The Scarlets rugby squad made a guest appearance on the Farmers' Union of Wales stand at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in Bala today as part of a tour of the region during their pre-season summer programme.

They mingled with FUW members and supporters, signed autographs and enjoyed a refreshing drink of fresh milk supplied by Wales' leading farmer owned dairy co-operative South Caernarfon Creameries.

"It is most appropriate that the Scarlets should be enjoying milk in the Bala sunshine at the same time as The Dairy Council revealed milk is set to play an increasingly important role in sport as scientific evidence grows that it has a significant effect on recovery after exercise," said FUW milk committee chairman, Anglesey dairy farmer Eifion Huws.

"During the recent Royal Highland Show The Dairy Council decided that it would make milk in sport a major area of activity throughout the rest of this year," said Mr Huws "They will carry out a comprehensive survey among young, aspiring Olympic athletes across the UK to assess the use of milk in their training regimes.

"The Dairy Council will also hold an industry conference later in the year on milk in sport which will coincide with an increasing body of evidence worldwide outlining the benefits of milk after exercise, and its ability to help in the recovery from certain types of injury.

"In fact, as far as rehydration and reducing muscle damage induced by exercise is concerned, milk has been shown to be more beneficial than specially formulated sports drinks - and at a fraction of their cost.

"A recent major study in the United States demonstrated the drinking of chocolate milk was extremely beneficial to athletes and football players. Another study of the benefits of wholegrain cereal and milk concluded that it could be the next ''sports supplement''."

The entire Scarlets playing squad visited the Eisteddfod with a number of the region's North Wales players in attendance. They included new winger Andrew Fenby (originally from Rhos-on-Sea, near Llandudno) who signed for the Scarlets from Newcastle Falcons; back row Rob McCusker (formerly Mold RFC) and centre Rob Higgitt (from St Asaph, Denbighshire and formerly of Ruthin RFC).

It is the first time that the whole squad has travelled as a full group to the National Eisteddfod and the tour is part of a new programme of activity, which will see the Scarlets stars out and about throughout their rugby region on a regular basis.

Today's schedule took them from Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli to Newtown Rugby Club, and on to the main Eisteddfod Maes in Bala. They will return via Aberaeron RFC and Carmarthen for a short social visit and back home to Parc y Scarlets.

Scarlets commercial director Rupert Moon said: "This is part of a programme of activity which will see the Scarlets out and about in our community - stretching far and wide. Today's tour is just the start.

"As a club and region we have a heritage which links closely with the themes and culture of the National Eisteddfod. We have the most Welsh-speaking supporters, proud Welsh roots and traditions as well as direct links between the Eisteddfod and some of the greatest former Scarlets including Robin McBryde and, of course, Ray Gravell."