Welsh Rugby Union offers free tickets as concerns rise over the Six Nations turnout
The Welsh Rugby Union has begun distributing complimentary tickets to stadium stewards ahead of Sunday’s Six Nations encounter with France, as concerns mount over what could prove to be a historically poor turnout at the Principality Stadium, reports BritPanorama.
This marks the first occasion the governing body has extended such incentives to a fixture against Les Bleus, although similar offers have been made to paid staff in the past.
Reports earlier this week indicated that over 18,000 seats remain unsold in the 74,000-capacity venue, prompting anxiety within Welsh rugby’s corridors of power. Such figures have drawn comparisons to the wooden spoon decider against Italy in 2002, when just 58,349 spectators attended—the only instance a Six Nations match at the stadium failed to surpass 60,000 attendees.
Fixtures against France typically see much higher attendance, with only one match since the Championship’s expansion at the turn of the century attracting fewer than 70,000 spectators. The secondary market presents a similarly troubling outlook, as tickets are currently being offered at less than half their original price on the WRU’s official resale platform, with many supporters attempting to recoup their spend.
Amateur clubs have been particularly affected, as they are struggling to shift ticket allocations they had ordered. Several factors appear to be contributing to the dwindling interest; Wales has suffered a dozen consecutive Six Nations defeats, cemented by a recent 48-7 loss at Twickenham, leaving Steve Tandy’s side as favorites for an unprecedented third successive wooden spoon.
Domestic turmoil has also played a role, with the WRU’s plans to reduce the number of professional regions from four creating uncertainty regarding the future of the Ospreys. Reports suggest that supporters in the Swansea area have launched personal boycott campaigns against the national team until assurances are provided regarding the survival of the region beyond the upcoming season.
The atmosphere surrounding Welsh rugby has grown increasingly volatile, testing the traditional patriotic fervor among fans. Despite the prevailing gloom, former Welsh internationals have called on supporters to rally behind the team. “I think it is important to get behind the boys at home because the last thing the Welsh lads on the pitch need is to hear support drowned out by the French, who always travel in great numbers,” Jonathan Davies, a former fly-half, expressed.
WRU officials maintain a hopeful outlook, asserting confidence that the symbolic 60,000 attendance threshold will be met. Chief Operating Officer Gavin Marshall noted that sales have exceeded 1,000 tickets daily this week since the tournament began. “We have some of the most loyal fans in the world game in Wales,” he added, highlighting that half-time entertainment would also bolster the matchday atmosphere.
It remains to be seen whether these efforts will resonate with supporters, as the specter of a sparsely filled stadium looms ahead of a fixture that historically commands vibrant crowds.
