SECURITY HAS TO COME FIRST INSISTS WRU
Tougher searches at stadium led to hundreds of fans missing kick-off at Wales v Australia:
ENHANCED security measures that caused thousands of rugby fans to miss the kick-off for the Australia match are here to stay, said a defiant Welsh Rugby Union.
Rugby fans missed kick-off for the opening autumn international because of huge queues to get into the Principality Stadium yesterday.
Supporters were left standing in the rain outside several gates as a result of enhanced security checks because of the unprecedented terror threat in the UK.
Stadium chiefs had warned fans to get to the stadium early, with every supporter due to be searched for the first time ever. A warning was also issued stating large bags and umbrellas would not be allowed into the ground.
TV pictures inside the Principality showed scores of empty seats as the players emerged from the tunnel, with BBC TV presenter John Inverdale raising the issue on air. A crowd of more than 66,000 was due at the match that saw Wales lose 29-21.
The WRU said after the match: “Enhanced security measures ensure everybody entering Principality Stadium is checked on arrival at the turnstiles. For the Under Armour Series we have doubled the pre-game opening hours to three hours to give fans the opportunity to avoid the queues and we have made every effort to communicate to supporters to plan to arrive early and leave large bags and large umbrellas at home to avoid missing kick-off.
“We received great support from all of our partners, including the media, South Wales Police and Cardiff council, getting this message out in the build-up to today’s event.
“The safety and enjoyment of our visitors is of paramount importance.
“Welsh rugby fans are renowned for their contribution to the fantas- tic atmosphere inside the venue and vital support they give to the team on the pitch.
“Today thousands of fans enjoyed our new and improved pre-match entertainment schedule from three hours before kick-off, including live music and early bird offers at our retail units.
“It is important to stress that these security measures are here to stay and we don’t want anyone to miss kick-off.
“We will continue to urge supporters to allow more time for getting in to the stadium in future, as these checks are vital to the safety of all attendees.”
Tom Lee-wah from Cardiff said the price of the ticket didn’t warrant having to queue and miss part of the match.
Another fan said she had been waiting for nearly half an hour in the rain.
“We’ve missed the great atmosphere now. Normally we like to go in and get a drink and take it all in before the match starts but we have missed all that.
“We were told we should come earlier because of the security check but we did come 30 minutes before kick-off.”
There were also reports of female fans getting to the front of queues only to be sent to other queues by male stewards who were unable to search women.
The WRU issued a detailed warning to fans earlier this week but it appears many were unaware just how thorough the checks would be in comparison to previous games.
Small bags and handbags were permitted, provided they were no larger than 35cm x 40cm x 19cm.
Prior to the game Prince William said he needs “toothpicks” to keep his eyes open after being kept up by his children.
Dad to Prince George and Princess Charlotte, the Duke of Cambridge made the comments as he greeted people before match.
Suggesting he’s kept on his toes by their children, Prince William and wife Kate are expecting their third child next April.
Prince William said: “I do need toothpicks to keep my eyes open because of the kids.”
Welcomed by several dignitaries, including Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns, Prince William commented on the poor weather and said he was looking forward to the game.
Speaking to dignitaries, he also said he would have “loved” to have attended the Anthony Joshua fight recently held in the city.
He also quipped to one apprentice he spoke to that “someone forgot their socks”.
Patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, Prince William also said it was a “shame” that Sam Warburton was injured.
He said: “Sam in the Lions was absolutely fantastic. I was shouting at my TV during those games.”
Prince William met representatives and beneficiaries from the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust, which the Duke is also patron of.
The trust was set up in 1972 to support rugby players, and their families, who have been severely injured while playing.
During half-time, Prince William also met some of the WRU Coach Core Apprentices.
The Coach Core scheme was designed by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry to take young people aged 16 to 24 with limited opportunities and train them to be sports coaches and role models and mentors in their communities.
Coach Core has been working with the WRU since 2015 and to date has trained, educated and deployed 36 apprentices in communities across South Wales to deliver rugby in schools and towns in fun and engaging ways.
Prince William became patron of the WRU last year after taking over from the Queen.