Wins against Ireland in Dubliin (21-23) and Scotland (27-13) at home last weekend has sent the nation rugby crazy again with head coach Warren Gatland’s men now targeting Triple Crown glory when they head to Twickenham for the RBS 6 Nations third round clash with England a week on Saturday.
The atmosphere at Wales’ now regular open training sessions at the Millennium Stadium has been growing in fervour and intensity, culminating in over 60,000 fans turning up to a similar free event during the 2011 Rugby World Cup, where fans were invited to watch the Wales v France RWC semi-final clash on the big screens.
Attendance at the session, which in particular allows young children and families who would not ordinarily gain access to Wales’ RBS 6 Nations matches due to demand for tickets and other constraints – although fans are reminded that tickets are still on public sale for the Millennium Stadium clash with Italy on Saturday 10th March – peaked at 4,000 in 2011, after going through the 2,000 mark the year before.
The steady rise in interest is testament to the loyalty of the Welsh supporters, but these annual open sessions are also taking on a life of their own with fans getting used to the idea that the Welsh Rugby Union is making a genuine offer to them to come and see their heroes in the flesh and show their support with no strings attached.
“As excitement around the tournament grows this year’s free-to-enter training session has already proved to be our most popular yet,” said Welsh Rugby Union head of commercial and marketing Craig Maxwell.
“The appetite and hunger from Welsh rugby fans to gain access to their team is stronger than ever.
“This is a great day out for all the fans and rewards the loyal supporters who come to all of our games and allows new fans to come and sample the Millennium Stadium atmosphere and see their heroes in action.
“Everyone is welcome to attend as long as they register first in order to help us managed the event and control the crowds.”
The Championship climax against France is already sold-out, leaving just the limited availability for the Italy fixture (on Saturday 10th March, 2.30pm), which is also selling well, and this open training session as the remaining opportunities for fans to show their support for Wales.
The Barbarians will also face Warren Gatland’s team in Cardiff on June 2 when Wales will be all out to avenge their 28-31 defeat in the same fixture last year.
Tickets for that mouthwatering encounter have gone on sale to the public today (MONDAY) at £25 for adults and £10 for juniors under the age of 16.
To attend the training session fans must register their interest first at www.wru.co.uk/watchwales4free to register your attendance – Gates open at 2pm with the session starting at 3pm and the team will train until 4.15pm. .
Tickets for the Italy game are available online at wru.co.uk and ticketlineuk.com or from the telephone hotline 02920 230130.
Wales’ remaining fixtures for 2012 RBS 6 Nations Championship:
Sat 25th Feb 16:00 England v Wales, Twickenham
Sat 10th Mar 14:30 Wales v Italy, Millennium Stadium
Sat 17th Mar 14:45 Wales v France, Millennium Stadium
To attend the training session fans must register their interest first at www.wru.co.uk/watchwales4free to register your attendance – Gates open at 2pm with the session starting at 3pm and the team will train until 4.15pm. .
