By Nick Parry BBC News Online

Paul Williams and Jason Richards are among hundreds going north

But like many other supporters in the town on Saturday they will be up at the crack of dawn for the 150-mile trek north to Wrexham's Racecourse football ground.

As part of the restructuring of top flight rugby in Wales, the Scarlets agreed to play two "home" games in north Wales, the first time the club has left Llanelli for a home fixture.

The aim is to boost the popularity of the sport in the north and widen the club's fan base.

It should be a good day out. Another chapter in the history of the Scarlets Jason Richards

Throughout the week the Scarlets have been on a charm offensive with the players visiting schools and colleges in 14 towns in the region.

Much attention will be on the size of the crowd at the Racecourse for the 14.30GMT kick-off against the Scottish Borders, but the experiment has the backing of many Stradey faithful.

Meet new people

Mr Richards, who is chairman of the official supporters' club, said he was looking forward to the trip.

"It should be a good day out. Another chapter in the history of the Scarlets," he said.

"There should be a good following up there and it's a chance to meet a few new people.

"There are fans up there and a lot of them. Quite a few north Walians travel down for the matches.

Llanelli have played at Stradey Park since 1879

"There is also something like 7-8,000 registered players up there. We think it's a good move."

Fellow member Paul Williams, a Stradey regular since his father first took him there more than 30 years ago, is also making the journey.

"It's a good idea - there is a lot of support in north Wales so we have got to get them more interested in the game and develop it up north.

"Hopefully we will make some friends there and meet some old acquaintances."

World Cup

Judith Griffith from Old Colwyn has set up the north Wales branch of the supporters' club.

She said: "We've waited a long time for this as we are a bit starved of first-class rugby.

"The supporters' club is going really well as we have not advertised that much. As well as north Wales we have had enquiries from Liverpool, Cheshire and Manchester.

"There are coaches going to the game from across north Wales - Anglesey, Bangor, Caernarfon and Llandudno.

The Racecourse is usually home to Wrexham Football Club

"It's unfortunate that there is a big clash with the World Cup so we don't expect it to be a sell-out, but for the game in April we are hoping it will be close to capacity."

To make the fans and players feel at home the famous "sospans" that sit on the top of the goalposts at Stradey have been transported to the Racecourse.

On Friday former Wales and British Lions number eight Scott Quinnell issued a rallying cry to fans.

He told the club's website: "I've played up here for Wales and know the pride and passion people up here have for rugby.