Lowest Cardiff Six Nations crowd amid rugby turmoilImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Empty seats were clearly visible ahead of kick-off at the Principality StadiumPublished58 minutes ago58 Comments
tamil yogi
tamil yogi
Lowest Cardiff Six Nations crowd amid rugby turmoilImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Empty seats were clearly visible ahead of kick-off at the Principality StadiumPublished58 minutes ago58 Comments
Wales played in front of their smallest Six Nations crowd in Cardiff as the crisis in the domestic game continues to turn off fans.
Just 57,744 turned out to watch the recent record defeat, this time a 54-12 hammering by France at the Principality Stadium.
It meant there were more than 15,000 empty seats for what is traditionally one of the biggest events in the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) calendar.
But the uncertainty within the game in Wales appears to be taking a toll on the public appetite.
Wales head coach Steve Tandy reported: “We understand it’s our job as a team to get the support here but the public have been amazingly supportive and understand where we are.”
“It’s heartbreaking” – Fans react to state of the game in Wales
It was lower than the previous worst attendance of 58,349 against Italy in 2002 when Wales were in another losing streak.
The cost of a match-day experience in Cardiff has been suggested as the reason for some fans staying away.
But the political turmoil in the domestic game, with the WRU looking to cut one region while facing a potential vote of no confidence among member clubs, is leaving disgruntled fans to turn away.
Before Sunday’s game, fans told BBC Sport the current crisis was “heartbreaking, sad and depressing” and many were no longer motivated to buy tickets.
Swansea council leader Rob Stewart, who has previously spoken out against the Welsh Rugby Union’s plans to potentially cut Ospreys, reported fans were voting with their feet.
He reported on social media: “It’s heart-breaking to see the Principality Stadium barely 3/4 full today. Much as we love our Wales team, fans are voting with their feet and staying away.
“Their message to the WRU is clear – we will stay away until you go away.”
Fans and clubs have openly criticised the WRU hierarchy, with board member John Manders saying some of the social media comments aimed at the governing body’s bosses has “crossed a line”.
However Wales head coach Tandy believes the team still has the support of the nation.
“We love the connection with our communities and nation. Even with limited numbers, when they get behind the team at the end, it does inspire the players,” he reported after Sunday’s game.
“I understand there is lots going on and has been in Wales for a really long time, but want to unify everything.
“We’re a small nation, we need everything to be flowing in the right direction. I genuinely believe everyone needs to play their part in how we get there. There needs to be some patience to get change. It doesn’t happen overnight. “
✔ today silver rate
✔ 2026 winter olympics
✔ chat gtp
✔ silver rate today
✔ silver rate today live
✔ 2030 winter olympics
Sports
