Tens of thousands of fans took to the city centre for the epic occasion, filling the bars, pubs and restaurants ahead of the sell-out match at the home of Welsh rugby.
While over one million others in Wales enjoyed the epic occasion from the comfort of their own homes, according to BBC figures.
A peak audience of 1.02 million viewers watched the 27-6 victory on BBC One which is the second-highest ever television audience in Wales for a Six Nations game, the highest being last season’s championship win over England (which peaked at 1.1 million viewers).
This is one of the very few occasions this century that the TV audience in Wales has exceeded one million for any programme.
WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis said: “Wales bounced back with a fantastic Six Nations win over the French on Friday evening and rugby fans everywhere will be recalling the spectacular images of the home of Welsh rugby that were beamed across the world from Cardiff.
“Whether you were at the heart of the action in the Millennium Stadium for the game, at the rugby club or watching at home, these are the great memories we all share with our fellow rugby supporters for seasons to come and I thank our broadcast partners at the BBC for their continued support as records confirm yet another extremely high audience for international rugby in Wales.”
Rhodri Talfan Davies, Director of BBC Cymru Wales said: “We’re thrilled that so many supporters turned to the BBC on Friday night to watch Wales’ thrilling victory over France. The inspiring Welsh performance brought the nation together in celebration – and our expert team will now be turning their attention to the big game against England on March 9 and the prospects of another exciting finale to the Six Nations.”
Rugby fans can follow Wales in action against England at Twickenham and Wales versus Scotland at the Millennium Stadium (Saturday 15 March) live on BBC One and BBC One HD, BBC Radio Wales and in Welsh on S4C and Radio Cymru.
