That means the second and final Dove Men Test in a month’s time, against Italy on September 5, is now the only opportunity for supporters to see Wales in home action before the Rugby World Cup kicks-off.
Following the clash against Ireland this weekend, Wales travel to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin for the return fixture on Saturday 29 August.
Wales coach Warren Gatland will then name his final RWC squad just days before facing the Azzurri in Cardiff, and with Wales v Ireland now sold out, the Italy fixture is quickly becoming the hottest ticket in town.
More than 35, 000 tickets have already been snapped up for next month’s game, which kicks off at 5pm, with ticket prices starting at just £20 and £10 for Under 16s. There are also group discounts available.
It will be the only chance to see Gatland’s final Rugby World Cup squad in action as they put the finishing touches to their Rugby World Cup preparations.
“Both matches against Ireland will be physical encounters, both at home and away, and a full house at the Millennium Stadium will be ideal preparation ahead of the Rugby World Cup,” said Gatland.
“To be facing the RBS 6 Nations champions, which is something we didn’t know at the time the fixtures were arranged, has worked out really well for us.
“Then Italy will be a different prospect altogether – by then we will have selected our Rugby World Cup squad so that will be a key moment for us.
“We are in an incredibly tough group and that’s not just because of the teams that we are facing.
“We have a five day turnaround before we play Fiji in particular and we are going to need to make sure the whole squad is in shape.”
Gatland originally named an extended 47-man training squad including 17 players with RWC experience and nine uncapped players and the squad have recently returned from training camps in Switzerland and Doha. The training squad has since been reduced to 46 with Tom James forced to withdraw through injury, and Rhodri Jones has been replaced by Cardiff Blues prop Scott Andrews.
“All of the training squad have the opportunity to make that 31-man party and I’m sure they will all be eager to feature in a Rugby World Cup on these shores.
“We believe the longer we are together the better we perform and this summer of preparation will give us every opportunity to be at our best come Rugby World Cup.”
Tickets for Wales v Italy are available from wru.wales/tickets, by calling 0844 847 1881, in person from the WRU Ticket Office on Westgate Street, in Tesco stores around Wales or from your local club, with prices remaining at £35 and £20 (£10 U16 concessions). Group ticket offers include: 10% off orders over ten adult tickets or more, Family package for £50 (2 adult, 2 U16s), two adults free when eight concessions are purchased.
“The fact that the Ireland match has sold out shows the level of optimism there is in Wales ahead of the Rugby World Cup,” said WRU chairman Gareth Davies.
“We all know how hard the squad are working in their preparation and these two summer matches are a chance for the whole of Wales to get behind the team and show them that we will be with them every step of the way during their England 2015 campaign.”
“The team know they will have the support of the country going into the Rugby World Cup and they can also be sure they will be given the support they require during these matches,” said WRU chief executive Roger Lewis.
“Now that the Ireland match has sold out, all eyes are on the Italy fixture which is also doing very well.
“The lowest price category for tickets is £20, with a £10 concession for children under 16, making these international matches extremely accessible.
“We also have some excellent group offers available with ten per cent off orders over ten adult tickets or more, two adults free with every eight concession tickets bought and a family ticket for just £50.”
Dove Men Tests:
Wales v Ireland, Millennium Stadium, Saturday 8th August, Kick-off 2.30pm, (BBC Wales) SOLD OUT
Wales v Italy, Millennium Stadium, Saturday 5th September, Kick-off 5.00pm, priced at £35 and £20 (£10 under 16 concessions) (BBC Wales)
